ATF Offers Reward in Arson/Homicide Investigation

ATF, USMS and Page County Sherriff’s Office Seek Public’s Help in Arson/Homicide Investigation

Page County, Virginia —The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Page County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S Marshals Service, are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect who is currently on the run, Timothy Thomas Comer. Comer is wanted on a felony charge of allegedly possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony and is a potential suspect in a Page County, Virginia, homicide. He is considered armed and dangerous.

On June 29, 2023, just after 5pm, the Page County Emergency Communications Center, received a call about a man in the 5600 block of Jollett Road in Elkton, Virginia. Once law enforcement arrived, they found a 69-year-old man dead from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Investigators from the Page County Sheriff’s Office began investigating this case as a homicide and listed Timothy Thomas Comer as a person of interest. Then on July 10, 2023, the Page County Sheriff’s Office announced they were investigating a suspicious fire that happened on July 9, 2023, in the 5000 block of Jollett Road in Elkton.

The Page County Sheriff’s Office, ATF and the USMS are offering a reward of up to $7500 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect at large. An anonymous donation has now made the reward a total of up to $10,000.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or Page County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 743-6571. Tips can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov(link sends e-mail), through ATF’s website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Highlights Efforts to Combat Gun Violence at ATF’s Chiefs of Police Executive Forum

Washington, DC - June 22, 2023

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland addressed the attendees of the ATF's Chiefs of Police Executive Forum on Crime Guns, expressing his gratitude for their dedication and highlighting the urgent need to address gun violence in communities across the United States. The event, held at ATF headquarters, brought together law enforcement leaders from various parts of the country.

Garland acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement officers who not only combat violent crime but also serve as first responders to deeply entrenched social problems. He recognized the dangers they face daily and the emotional toll they bear in witnessing tragic events that most Americans never experience.

In the aftermath of mass shootings and incidents of gun violence, Garland emphasized that communities turn to law enforcement for support and answers. He expressed deep concern over the continuing occurrence of such acts, describing it as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

The Department of Justice, along with the ATF, recognizes the urgency to intensify efforts in combating gun violence. Garland outlined several key initiatives aimed at addressing this pressing issue.

First, the DOJ is leveraging the resources of all 25 ATF Field Divisions and 94 United States Attorneys’ Offices to investigate and prosecute repeat offenders responsible for the highest levels of gun violence. Prosecutors and agents are utilizing every available authority to crack down on criminal gun trafficking networks and prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.

Garland highlighted the success of strike forces established in five critical corridors across the country. These strike forces have resulted in the prosecution of 682 defendants and the seizure of over 4,000 illegal firearms, including nearly 300 machine guns and conversion devices. Additionally, prosecutions of unlicensed firearms dealing have increased by 52% between 2021 and 2022, with expectations of further increases this year.

Secondly, the DOJ aims to maximize the impact of grant programs that provide targeted support and assistance to law enforcement agencies and communities nationwide. Over $139 million was awarded last year through the COPS Hiring Program, facilitating the hiring of additional full-time law enforcement professionals. The upcoming year will see over $224 million dedicated to this program. The DOJ is also funding evidence-informed, community-centered initiatives focused on preventing and disrupting gun violence, including support for extreme risk protection order laws and life-saving programs.

The third pillar of the DOJ's approach involves strengthening partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies. Collaboration between ATF Special Agents in Charge (SACs), agents, and experts with their counterparts at the state and local levels is crucial in tackling gun violence comprehensively. Garland provided notable examples of successful joint operations, highlighting the work of ATF San Francisco in identifying a suspect involved in a mass shooting, ATF Cape Girardeau's involvement in convicting Gangster Disciples leaders, and ATF Philadelphia's operation to arrest a suspected firearms trafficker.

Garland emphasized the significance of ATF's crime gun intelligence capabilities, such as Crime Gun Intelligence Centers and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). He praised NIBIN for generating nearly 200,000 leads on violent criminals since June of the previous year. To further enhance its effectiveness, a policy was implemented requiring the submission of all firearms and fired cartridges recovered in connection with federal investigations to NIBIN. The DOJ continues to collaborate with state, local, and Tribal partners to ensure timely ballistics evidence submission.

Garland also discussed the expansion of ATF's eTrace program, a central online database for firearms data across jurisdictions. Recognizing potential barriers to eTrace usage, ATF has implemented a pilot program called eTrace DIRECT, allowing law enforcement agencies with centralized records and case management systems to automate firearms data submission.

Addressing the growing concern of ghost guns, the DOJ has designated coordinators in all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and ATF Field Divisions. These coordinators are supported by a newly established division at ATF headquarters, and updated regulations have been enacted to prevent criminals and prohibited individuals from obtaining untraceable firearms.

In concluding his remarks, Attorney General Garland reaffirmed the Justice Department's commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat gun violence. He acknowledged the immense responsibility borne by these agencies and pledged to provide them with the necessary partnership and support.

The Attorney General expressed his gratitude to the forum attendees for their dedication and service to their communities and the country. As the forum came to a close, he encouraged them to continue their crucial work in safeguarding communities and protecting the nation from gun violence.

The event concluded with a sense of shared determination and a renewed commitment to address the urgent issue of gun violence through collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the Department of Justice.

Career Offender Sentenced to More than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Crack Cocaine

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Richard Palmisano, 41, formerly of Central Falls, a career offender with a criminal history dating back more than twenty years, including convictions on drug trafficking, firearms and assault charges, was sentenced today to 150 months in federal prison for trafficking more than 90 grams of crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of ATF; and Central Falls Police Chief Colonel James J. Mendonca.

At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Mary M. Lisi also ordered Palmisano to serve five years supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Palmisano pleaded guilty on February 19, 2015, as charged in a six-count indictment to six counts of distribution of crack cocaine. No plea agreement was filed in this matter.

According to court records and information presented to the court, a joint investigation in the spring and summer of 2014 by ATF agents and Central Falls Police into Palmisano’s drug trafficking activities included five purchases of crack cocaine from Palmisano by an ATF undercover agent between April 24 and July 18. The purchases were of between 7.45 grams and more than 31grams for between $400 and $1,700.

Additionally, a court-authorized search of Palmisano’s residence, with the assistance of Rhode Island State Police and Providence Police, resulted in the seizure of 31 grams of crack cocaine which the undercover ATF agent had previously arranged to purchase from Palmisano.

Palmisano has been detained in federal custody since his arrest by ATF agents and Central Falls Police on August 7, 2014.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.

ATF Offers Reward in Gun Store Burglary

ATF, Firearms Industry Offer Reward in Tarrant Firearms Theft

 Tarrant, Ala. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in conjunction with the Tarrant Police Department and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) – the trade association for the firearms industry announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction for those responsible for the theft of firearms from the Birmingham Pistol Parlor, a federal firearm licensee (FFL). ATF is offering the reward in the amount of $ 2500.00 which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $ 5000.00. This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF’s reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. ATF works closely with members of the firearm industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

On August 3, 2015, the Birmingham Pistol Parlor, 1833 Pinson Valley Parkway, Birmingham, Ala., was burglarized and a total of approximately twenty firearms were reported stolen to the Tarrant Police Department.

 Anyone with information about this crime should contact the ATF at (800) ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867)

ATF Releases 2015 Report on Firearms Commerce in the U.S.

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) today released the 2015 Firearms Commerce in the United States Annual Statistical Update. The report presents data drawn from a number of ATF records in one comprehensive document. The report also provides comparative data from as far back as 1986 for context, analyses of firearms manufacturing trends over the years, and a broader picture of the state of firearms commerce in the United States today.

The most recent findings in the 2015 report show an estimated increase in firearms manufacturing in the U.S. of more than 50 percent within a four-year period. In 2010, more than 5.4 million firearms were manufactured. That number climbed to more than 10.8 million in 2013. The most recent available firearm manufacturing statistics are through calendar year 2013. 

Pistols make up the bulk of the firearms manufactured, with 4.4 million produced in 2013. That is an increase of more than one million pistols produced compared to the previous year. The number of rifles manufactured also increased from 3.1 million in 2012 to 3.9 million in 2013.

Firearms import data and the number of federal firearm licenses is also reflected in the updated report through 2014.  In 2014, more than 3.6 million firearms were imported into the United States, with 2.1 million of those being handguns.

The most recent export numbers are reflective through calendar year 2013 with more than 393,000 firearms exported.       

The commerce report includes a state-by-state breakdown of the federal firearms licenses and a state-by-state breakdown of the National Firearm Act tax revenue information available through 2014. For a closer look, visit the ATF website at commerce report.