CHICAGO — A major gun trafficking operation has been dismantled after a months-long investigation revealed firearms were being sold through social media posts, leading to a string of undercover buys and a final sting that netted five suspects — including a 17-year-old boy.
According to prosecutors, the investigation centered on Justin Anderson, a 19-year-old from Indianapolis who began advertising guns for sale online in early May. What followed was a sequence of controlled buys that took place across Dolton, Pullman, and Lansing, leading to the seizure of 38 firearms and multiple machine gun conversion devices, known as Glock switches.
Online Listings Spark Federal and State Probe
Authorities say the probe began on May 6 when an undercover agent contacted Anderson in response to his online listings. Anderson allegedly agreed to sell three guns, including two Glocks and a Mini Draco rifle, during a meet-up in a Menards parking lot in Dolton.
By May 21, the first transaction took place, with Anderson joined by Montez Wells Jr., 18, during the hand-off.
A second deal occurred on May 30, again at the same Menards location. This time, Anderson, Wells, a juvenile, and a fourth accomplice allegedly delivered five more firearms — including a rare TRUMP-47 multi-caliber rifle fitted with a double drum magazine.
Undercover Buys Included Illegal “Switches” and Binary Triggers
By June 5, a new sale was arranged at a Walmart in Pullman, where agents bought five additional guns. One came with a Glock switch, a device that turns semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. Later that day, Anderson reportedly reached back out and sold another Glock, this one with a binary trigger, which mimics automatic fire.
The pattern continued into June 17, when another Walmart meet-up led to the purchase of five more firearms, some outfitted with extended magazines, drum mags, and laser sights. One of the firearms, a HELLPUP 7.62, was allegedly sold by Jaylen Powell, 18.
Final Sting Yields 19 Firearms, Ends With Chaotic Arrests
The final deal occurred on June 27 outside the United Motel in Lansing. According to court records, all five suspects — Anderson, Wells, Powell, the 17-year-old, and a man named Todd Williams — showed up in a Jeep Cherokee and sold undercover agents 19 weapons and three Glock switches for $19,000.
The sale began with Anderson opening a suitcase filled with rifles, AR pistols, and handguns, along with a plastic bag containing Glock switches. Powell reportedly presented a shotgun and rifle on a blanket. Wells and the juvenile also contributed additional firearms to the deal.
Once the transaction ended, law enforcement swarmed in. Anderson froze and was quickly arrested. The others attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended. Williams, the getaway driver, rammed multiple law enforcement vehicles before being stopped.
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