Durham Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Gun Trafficking Case Involving ‘Ghost Guns’ Sold in New York
BUFFALO, NY — A 23-year-old Durham man has pleaded guilty in federal court for his role in an illegal firearms trafficking conspiracy that involved purchasing guns in North Carolina and supplying them for resale in Buffalo, New York.
Jerry Antonio Baine, also known as “Bank 3x,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo of the Western District of New York.
Baine faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2027, before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Prosecutors Detail Illegal Firearms Trafficking Operation
According to federal prosecutors, Baine participated in a conspiracy with Hassain Humphrey, Keishawn Turner, Jylin Woods and Benjamin Martin between March 2023 and June 23, 2025.
The group allegedly worked together to illegally sell firearms, including privately manufactured weapons without serial numbers, commonly referred to as ghost guns.
During the conspiracy, Baine sent Humphrey photographs of approximately 19 firearms, several of which were privately manufactured.
Investigators said the men discussed potential selling prices through text messages, including an exchange in which Baine complained that a proposed price would not generate enough profit.
Prosecutors also identified messages referencing “ghost” and “P80,” terms associated with certain privately manufactured firearms.
Guns Purchased in North Carolina Recovered in Buffalo
Federal authorities said Baine purchased multiple firearms from licensed retail establishments in North Carolina.
At least two of those weapons were later recovered during separate criminal investigations in Buffalo.
One firearm was recovered on July 4, 2024, while another was recovered on June 19, 2026.
The announcement did not specify the circumstances of those investigations or identify the crimes associated with the recovered weapons.
The discoveries helped investigators trace firearms purchased in North Carolina to individuals operating in New York.
Durham Man Admitted Buying Guns for Resale
During an October 2024 interview with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Baine acknowledged purchasing multiple firearms in North Carolina for Humphrey.
He also admitted knowing that Humphrey and another individual were reselling firearms in New York.
According to prosecutors, Baine explained that he participated because he was unemployed and needed money.
He further acknowledged that neither he nor Humphrey possessed the required federal firearms licenses to operate as dealers.
Federal law generally requires individuals who engage in the business of dealing firearms to obtain the appropriate federal license.
Two Co-Defendants Convicted, Others Await Trial
The federal case involves five individuals, although their legal proceedings are at different stages.
Humphrey and Turner have already been convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
Charges remain pending against Woods and Martin, who are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Baine’s guilty plea resolves his criminal charge, but his sentence has not yet been determined.
Federal Sentencing Scheduled for March 2027
Baine will return to federal court on March 5, 2027, when Judge Vilardo is scheduled to impose his sentence.
The charge carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison, although the actual sentence will be determined by the court.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF and Buffalo Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis A. Testani and Monica Benjovsky are prosecuting the case.
The prosecution highlights how firearms purchased in one state can become part of illegal trafficking operations hundreds of miles away, raising concerns about unlicensed gun sales and weapons that lack identifying serial numbers.