Robert Alcantara, a resident of Providence, Rhode Island, has pled guilty in Manhattan federal court to charges of conspiracy to traffic firearms and conspiracy to launder money from his firearms trafficking operation. Alcantara’s illegal activities involved the sale of over 100 “ghost guns” to individuals in the Dominican Republic.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement partners that led to the dismantling of Alcantara’s brazen gun trafficking scheme. Alcantara’s ability to produce untraceable ghost guns has been curtailed, resulting in a significant victory for public safety.
The case against Alcantara reveals a disturbing trend in the underground firearms market. Ghost guns, also known as “kit guns” or “80% guns,” are firearms that are made at home by assembling various parts purchased online or at gun shows. These guns do not have serial numbers, making them untraceable, and they can be built without undergoing background checks or any form of government registration.
According to court documents and statements made during the legal proceedings, law enforcement authorities discovered Alcantara in possession of kits to build approximately 45 ghost guns during a routine traffic stop on November 20, 2021. Further investigation revealed that Alcantara had an additional 50 similar ghost guns at his home, which he used as a factory to convert these kits into fully functioning firearms.
After transforming the ghost gun kits into working firearms, Alcantara engaged in the illicit sale of these weapons in the Dominican Republic. He received payments for the guns and then proceeded to launder the funds. Alcantara’s illegal activities posed a significant threat to public safety, as these untraceable firearms could potentially fall into the wrong hands and be used in the commission of crimes.
The consequences for Alcantara’s crimes are severe. The charges he has pled guilty to carry maximum sentences of five years in prison for conspiracy to traffic firearms, and 20 years in prison for conspiracy to launder money. However, it is important to note that the final sentencing decision lies with the judge and will be determined based on various factors.
Alcantara’s guilty plea serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive law enforcement efforts in combating the illegal firearms trade. By disrupting the operations of individuals like Alcantara and holding them accountable for their actions, law enforcement agencies can prevent these dangerous weapons from ending up on the streets.
Efforts to combat the proliferation of ghost guns have increased in recent years due to their rising popularity among criminals and prohibited individuals. Lawmakers and law enforcement agencies have been pushing for stricter regulations and legislation to close the loopholes that allow the sale and production of ghost guns.
In conclusion, Robert Alcantara’s guilty plea in the Manhattan federal court for conspiracy to traffic firearms and conspiracy to launder money from his firearms trafficking operation highlights the growing issue of ghost guns in the underground firearms market. His illicit scheme, which involved manufacturing untraceable firearms and selling them in the Dominican Republic, posed a significant threat to public safety. However, thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement partners, Alcantara’s operation has been dismantled. It is crucial that continued efforts are made to tighten regulations and close the loopholes surrounding ghost guns to prevent their proliferation and protect the safety of communities.