Authorities have arrested 12 people in a sweep targeting illegal gun transfers in Allegheny County.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese defendants all engaged in straw purchasing or other illegal transfers of firearms,\u201d Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said, announcing the charges Thursday. \u201cGuns obtained in this way so often end up at violent crime scenes and in the hands of people who are prohibited from legal possession. I commend all of the partners for meticulous investigations \u2014 that are still ongoing \u2014 to trace these firearms and identify people involved in their illegal distribution.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of the defendants, 19-year-old Kyree McCray is also charged with having child pornography.<\/p>\n
McCray and his close acquaintance, 21-year-old Robert Crowley, were arrested last month in the 300 block of Albert Street, the attorney general\u2019s office says. Investigators recovered several handguns, magazines, ammunition and accessories, including a muzzle break and speed loader.<\/p>\n
McCray and Crowley were denied bail at recent arraignments, where the judge reportedly called them a \u201cdanger to the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also arrested was Makai Kenny, 24, who\u2019s accused of illegally transferring at least six guns he bought, which police recovered at the crime scene or from other people. <\/p>\n
Officials say Kenny was identified as a straw purchaser after a shooting on Constance Street<\/a> in Pittsburgh. <\/p>\n RELATED COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh neighbors call for tighter regulations on short-term rentals after New Year\u2019s shooting<\/a><\/p>\n These people are also charged with illegal possession or transfer of firearms, conspiracy or related offenses:<\/p>\n Davar Reid, 22, of Turtle CreekSharon Gore, 42, (Reid\u2019s mother-in-law), Turtle CreekCarley Chedwick, 25, West MifflinAaron B. Ridgely, 28, HomesteadShelly Bonacci, 39, DuquesneShawn M. Mason, 32, Penn HillsJoni Atkinson, 32, PittsburghLavandra Carpenter, 29, PittsburghEthan Drolz, 23, Verona<\/p>\n Investigators continue to trace and recover guns that were transferred, which may lead to more charges. <\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n