North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun Sales
Jerry Antonio Baine admitted to conspiring with others to traffic firearms into Buffalo from North Carolina.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Financial Crime
Jerry Antonio Baine pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in the firearms business without a license. He admitted to purchasing nearly 20 firearms in North Carolina for resale in New York.
Why it matters
The case highlights a trafficking pipeline that funneled illegal weapons into Buffalo, fueling local gun violence. Baine admitted he participated in the scheme because he was unemployed and needed the money.
Baine faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for his role in the conspiracy. Sentencing for the North Carolina resident is currently scheduled for March 5, 2027.
The players
Jerry Antonio Baine
He is a 23-year-old North Carolina resident who admitted to trafficking firearms across state lines into New York.
Hassain Humphrey
He is an associate of Baine who was previously convicted for his role in the illegal firearms conspiracy.
Keishawn Turner
He is a co-conspirator who has already been convicted and is currently awaiting sentencing.
ATF
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the federal agency responsible for investigating illegal firearms commerce.
The details
Baine sent photographs of approximately 19 firearms to Hassain Humphrey and utilized code words such as ghost and p80 to reference weapons lacking serial numbers. The firearms were purchased at North Carolina retail stores and later recovered by authorities during investigations in Buffalo.
Timeline
March 2023: The conspiracy to sell firearms began.
July 4, 2024: A firearm purchased by Baine was recovered in Buffalo.
October 2024: Baine admitted to his involvement during an ATF interview.
June 23, 2025: The illegal firearm conspiracy period ended.
June 19, 2026: Another firearm purchased by Baine was recovered in Buffalo.
Legal Context
This prosecution operates under the framework established by the Gun Control Act of 1968, which strictly regulates the interstate commerce of weapons. The case reflects ongoing efforts by federal authorities to dismantle trafficking corridors that supply illegal firearms to urban centers like Buffalo.
The recovery of these firearms during local police investigations serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to reduce weapon availability in the city. Residents may see continued federal involvement in local public safety matters as investigators work to track the origin of recovered guns.
The takeaway
Illegal firearms trafficking carries significant federal prison time even for first-time offenders involved in conspiracy plots. Law enforcement agencies continue to use digital evidence and forensic tracking to link interstate purchases to local criminal activity.
What happens next
Sentencing for Jerry Antonio Baine is scheduled to take place on March 5, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on regional investigations, visit Buffalo Financial Crime.
