Man arrested for smuggling 24 guns into Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WFSB) – A man has been sentenced to federal prison for smuggling 24 guns out of Georgia.

That man was identified as 39-year-old Tyree Thomas of Bridgeport.

U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden sentenced Thomas to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release.

Officials say Thomas’s criminal history included felonies and he was prohibited from purchasing firearms.

Between August and December 2021, Thomas traveled to Georgia multiple times using the assistance of a family member to purchase weapons and acquired approximately 24 firearms.

Police say Thomas brought the guns to Connecticut, where he sold them to others, including criminals, gang members and minors.

Nine of Thomas’ firearms were recovered. Police stated that some of the weapons he sold were used in accidents that resulted in death, injury and even suicide.

Fifteen of his weapons were not found.

Thomas was arrested in September 2023. In July, he pleaded guilty to crossing state lines with intent to illegally traffic in firearms.

He was released on $100,000 bail and is ordered to report to jail on January 7.