Dallas Field Division
Photo used under Creative Commons from Wikimedia user Drumguy8800
Welcome to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division. Our Division is responsible for ATF criminal enforcement and industry regulatory activities in the Northern half of Texas (Tyler to El Paso), as well as the State of Oklahoma. Our dedicated work force is comprised of special agents, investigators, explosive enforcement officers, canine handlers, auditors, technicians, legal counsel and support staff. Additionally, one of five ATF Special Response Teams (SRT) is based in Dallas.
ATF is committed to reducing violent crime in our neighborhoods. The Special Agents of the Dallas Division combat firearm violence by focusing their investigative efforts on armed violent offenders, career criminals, gangs and gun traffickers. This includes efforts to stem the flow of firearms into Mexico which fuels the violence among the drug cartels. We also work in partnership with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout Texas and Oklahoma to accomplish this mission.
Explosives and arson enforcement are an integral part of ATF’s overall violent crime reduction strategy. ATF’s Dallas Field Division special agents combat arson and explosive-related crimes by conducting independent investigations and by working in partnership with local and state fire investigators and police bomb squads. Also, ATF provides post-blast training for local investigators and bomb technicians. ATF’s explosives expertise will be utilized for security purposes when Super Bowl XLV comes to Arlington, Texas in February of 2011.
ATF also has the duty of regulating the firearms and explosives industry. The Industry Operations Investigators work to ensure that all firearms are stored, handled and in a safe manner according to law. Investigators conduct periodic inspections of firearms and explosives licensees. ATF Industry Investigators play an integral part in preventing domestic and international firearms trafficking.
We encourage all residents to get involved and assist us in our goal of reducing crime in our communities. If community members have information regarding any violent criminal activity in this region, do not hesitate to contact the Dallas division at (469) 227-4300.
Robert R. Champion
Division Management Team
- Robert R. Champion
- Special Agent In Charge (SAC)
- Carl Walker
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Charles E. Smith
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Megan A. Bennett
- Director of Industry Operations (DIO)
- Thomas Crowley
- Public Information Officer (PIO)
Division Contact Information
Receive Dallas Press Release Updates
Dallas Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Making a False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm
September 21, 2012
DALLAS – Jose Villela, 25, of Dallas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O'Connor to the statutory maximum of 60 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in May 2012 to one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.More »
Federal Jury Convicts Fort Worth Man on Federal Firearms Offenses
September 20, 2012
FORT WORTH, Texas – Following a one-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas, Booker Bernard Preston, 38, of Fort Worth, Texas, was convicted on federal firearms offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.More »
ATF NRT Activated to Investigate Massive School Fire
September 6, 2012
TULSA, OKLA. — The National Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with ATF special agents from the Dallas Field Division were requested by the Tulsa Fire Department to join in the investigation of a fire at the Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences, 2324 East 17th St., Tulsa.More »
Ellis County Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal Prison on Firearms and Drug Convictions
August 16, 2012
DALLAS – Shane Wilson, 32, of Midlothian, Texas, was sentenced this afternoon by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to a total of 84 months (seven years) in federal prison, following his guilty plea in May 2012 to firearms and drug offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.More »
10 Arrested in Henderson, Texas Drug Trafficking Enterprise
August 1, 2012
TYLER, Texas – U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced today that 10 individuals have been arrested following a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking in the Henderson, Texas area.More »
Elk City Felon Pleads Guilty to Stealing 25 Firearms from One Dealer
July 6, 2012
OKLAHOMA CITY – Earlier this week, CLAYTON JOHN SHINN, 22, from Elk City, Oklahoma, pled guilty to stealing 25 firearms, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.More »
Texas Explosives Detection Canine Helps Chicago Prepare for NATO Summit
May 18, 2012
CHICAGO – Leaders from around the world gather in Chicago this weekend for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 2012 Summit. Law enforcement throughout Chicago, including the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are ramping up security in preparation for the historic event hosted by President Barack Obama, May 20-21.More »
Dallas Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal Prison on Federal Firearms Convictions
May 7, 2012
DALLAS – Otilio Osorio, 23, who pleaded guilty in November 2011 to various firearms offenses, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to 84 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas. Osorio has been in custody since his arrest in February 2011 on related charges.More »
Western District of Texas Federal Grand Jury Indicts Sinaaloa Cartel Leaders El Chapo
Guzman, Mayo
Zambada and 22 Other hight Ranking Sinaloa Cartel Members
April 24, 2012
United States Attorney Robert Pitman, DEA Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit, FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Morgan and ATF Special Agent in Charge Robert Champion today announced the indictment of Joaquin Guzman Loera, aka El Chapo,
Ismael Zambada Garcia aka Mayo,
and 22 other individuals responsible for the operations and management of the Sinaloa Cartel (Cartel) charging them with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.More »
ATF NRT Activated to Investigate Massive Business Fire
April 19, 2012
Amarillo, Texas – The National Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with ATF special agents from the Dallas Field Division were requested by the Amarillo Fire Department to investigate a fire located at the Best Signs Systems, 3007 Pierce St., Amarillo. The fire occurred Wednesday night, April 18, destroying the 28,000 square-foot building. The team of two dozen agents and specialists arrived today and will start the scene investigation Friday morning.More »
Border Patrol Agent and Girlfriend Arrested on Federal Firearms Trafficking Charges Filed in Texas
April 9, 2012
LAS CRUCES – U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales for the District of New Mexico announced that a federal grand jury sitting in the El Paso Division of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas has indicted Ricardo Montalvo, 28, and Carla Gonzales-Ortiz, 29, both residents of El Paso, Tex., on conspiracy, firearms and smuggling charges.More »
Leader of Group of Dallas Residents Convicted of Intentionally Setting Fires to Collect American Red Cross Assistance Funds Is Sentenced to 240 Months in Federal Prison
April 5, 2012
DALLAS — Following her guilty plea in May 2011 to one count of wire fraud and one count of arson, Marthella Broadus, 37, was sentenced this afternoon by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to 240 months in federal prison. In addition, Judge Boyle ordered Broadus to pay $1,729,115.95 in restitution. Marthella Broadus is the last of seven Dallas residents to be sentenced for her role in three arson fires committed in Dallas from December 2008 through May 2009. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.More »
ATF Declares 400 Coyle Middle School Students GREAT
March 8, 2012
ROWLETT, TX. — Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program or G.R.E.A.T.
will hold a graduation for 400 students from Coyle Middle School Friday, March 10, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. G.R.E.A.T., the anti–gang program which teaches students to avoid gangs, violence and delinquency is taught by specially trained ATF agents and other law enforcement officers across the country.More »
Three Dallas Men Sentenced on Firearms Convictions
February 21, 2012
DALLAS — Three Dallas men, Ranferi Osorio, Kelvin Leon Morrison, and Luis Carbajal, who pleaded guilty in November 2011 to various firearms offenses, were sentenced this afternoon by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas. Sentencing within the guideline range, Judge Lindsay sentenced Osorio to120 months in prison; Morrison to 30 months in prison; and Carbajal, whom the Court found to be the least culpable in this case, to a two–year term of probation. Osorio and Morrison have been in federal custody since their arrest in February 2011.More »
North Texas Men Receive Lengthy Federal Prison Sentences for Role in Insurance Fraude Case Involving Arson
November 18, 2011
DALLAS – Blaise Hancock, of Arlington, Texas, and Clint Allen, of Lewisville, Texas, were sentenced this morning by Chief U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to 79 months and 51 months in federal prison, respectively, for conspiring to fraudulently obtain insurance money by filing a claim for insurance proceeds on a house fire that Allen had deliberately set in Dallas. In addition, they were ordered to pay, jointly and severally, nearly $300,000 in restitution and Allen was ordered to forfeit nearly $250,000. Judge Fitzwater ordered that they surrender the Bureau of Prisons on January 3, 2012. Today's announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.More »
ATF Offers $5,000 Reward in Gun Store Theft
September 8, 2011
TULSA, Okla. — Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for a burglary and theft at Tulsa Firearms located at 5949 S. Garnett Road, Tulsa said Robert R. Champion, Special Agent in Charge for the Dallas Field Division. On Sept. 4, suspect(s) entered the business through the roof ventilation system and exited a back door. Twenty–six firearms were stolen from the gun store during the burglary.More »
North Texas Men Plead Guilty in Insurance Fraud Case Involving Arson
August 23, 2011
DALLAS – On the Friday before their Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, federal jury trial was to begin, defendants Blaise Hancock, of Arlington, Texas, and Clint Allen, of Lewisville, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Each faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, restitution could be ordered. Sentencing is set for November 18, 2011, before Chief U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater.More »
ATF National Response Team Activated to Investigate Dallas Warehouse Fire
August 16, 2011
DALLAS – The National Response Team (NRT) from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with agents from the ATF Dallas Field Division were activated to investigate the Saturday fire scene at Leslie Pool Supply Warehouse, 4202 Dan Morton Dr., Dallas. The NRT arrived yesterday to examine the fire scene as part of the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire.More »
Blas Gutierrez Enters Guilty Plea in New Mexico Federal Firearms Trafficking Case
August 1, 2011
United States Attorney John E. Murphy announced that 30-year-old Blas Gutierrez of Columbus, NM, pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a firearms trafficking investigation.More »
ATF Offers $3,000 Reward in Gun Store Theft
July 26, 2011
TULSA, Okla – Robert R. Champion, Special Agent in Charge for the Dallas Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced that ATF is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those persons responsible for a burglary and theft that occurred sometime between the evening hours of Friday, July 8 and the early morning hours of Monday, July 11, 2011. The burglary took place at the Pryor Creek Armory, located at 4 W. Graham Avenue in Pryor, Oklahoma. The suspect(s) took approximately 47 handguns and one shotgun.More »
More Guilty Pleas Entered in New Mexico Federal Firearms Trafficking Case
July 22, 2011
United States Attorney John E. Murphy announced that six more defendants have pleaded guilty this week to federal charges in connection with the Columbus, New Mexico firearms trafficking investigation.More »
Fourth Guilty Plea Entered in New Mexico Federal Firearms Trafficking Case
July 18, 2011
United States Attorney John E. Murphy announced that 25-year-old Ricardo Gutierrez of Columbus, NM, pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a firearms trafficking investigation.More »
Rusk County Man Sentenced for Mail Bomb Scheme
June 28, 2011
TYLER, Texas – A 53-year-old Henderson, Texas man has been sentenced in connection with a destructive device found in a U.S. mail collection box in the Eastern District of Texas, announced United States Attorney John M. Bales.<More »
Dallas Man, Associated with Local Street Gang, Sentenced to 29 Years in Federal Prison for Shooting a Federal Agent and Drug and Firearm Offenses
April 15, 2011
DALLAS — Gary Montgomery, a/k/a G–Bone,
39, who pleaded guilty in December 2010 to assaulting a federal officer, distributing crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced this morning by Chief U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to a total of 29 years in federal prison. The announcement was made today by James T. Jacks, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas and Robert R. Champion, Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.More »
Indictment Unsealed Alleging Credit Card Bust Out
Scheme and Trafficking in Contraband Tobacco
April 6, 2011
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging three men in a 59 count indictment. KHAWER SAEED GHILL (aka Sajjan Gill
), 40, residing at times in Midwest City, Mustang, and Edmond, Oklahoma, AHSAN ULLAH (aka Ibrahim Khan
and Shawn Ullah
), 41, residing at times in Mustang, Yukon, and Edmond, Oklahoma, and ASMAT ULLAH (aka Uncle
), 60, a resident of Edmond, Oklahoma, have been charged in an indictment containing 59 counts that includes conspiracy, trafficking, bank fraud, and money laundering involving two primary schemes — a credit card "bust out" scheme and a separate scheme involving trafficking in untaxed cigarettes.More »
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Three Dallas-Area Men on Federal Firearms Charges
March 23, 2011
DALLAS – A federal grand jury in Dallas has charged three local men with various federal firearms offenses related to their scheme to illegally acquire firearms they intended to transfer to others, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. The three defendants, Ranferi Osorio, 27, and his brother, Otilio Osorio, 22, and Kelvin Leon Morrison, 25, have been in custody since their arrest on Feb. 28, 2011, by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and other state and local agencies, on charges in related criminal complaints.More »
Three Dallas-Area Men Arrested on Federal Firearms Charges Related to Trafficking Firearms to a Mexican Drug Cartel
March 1, 2011
DALLAS – Three individuals have been arrested by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), assisted by other state and local law enforcement, on federal firearms charges outlined in two complaints, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks for the Northern District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Robert R. Champion of the ATF’s Dallas Field Office.More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Los Angeles Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Silva and Marianne are based in Los Angeles and will conduct security sweeps at this year's Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
University of Arizona Police Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Morrison and Michael are based at University of Arizona Police Department and will conduct security sweeps at this year’s Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game.More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Dallas Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. DeVilliers and Nanny are based in San Antonio and will conduct security sweeps at this year's Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game.More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Dallas Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Dockens and Charlie are based in Dallas and will conduct security sweeps at this year’s Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game.More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Reno Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Emmons and Turner are based at University of Nevada – Reno and will conduct security sweeps at this year's Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Arizona State University Police Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Dunwoody and Disney are based at Arizona State University and will conduct security sweeps at this year’s Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
New Orleans Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Barton and Madison are based in New Orleans and will conduct security sweeps at this year's Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Lubbock Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Sgt. Chris Eppler and Mickey are based at Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department and will conduct security sweeps at this year’s Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Pina County Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Deputy Jeff Craven and Angel are based in Pima County and will conduct security sweeps at this year’s Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game.More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Denver Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Lambert and Ostermann are based in Denver and will conduct security sweeps at this year’s Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game.More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Albuquerque Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. U.S Marshal Kozuszko and Hope are based in Albuquerque with the United States Marshals Service and will conduct security sweeps at this year’s Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Austin Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Johnson and Polly are based in Austin with the United States Marshals Service and will conduct security sweeps at this year’s Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game.
Feb. 6. More »ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Shreveport Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Hood and Jude are based at the Shreveport Fire Department and will conduct security sweeps at this year’s Super Bowl to locate any type of explosive, firearm or ammunition that may be in close proximity to the stadium or other venue relating to the big game.Feb. 6. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Front Royal Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Special Agent Neeley and K-9 Inky, one of 25 K9 teams, are here to provide security for Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Austin Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Special Agent Rayburn and K-9 Farley, one of 25 K9 teams, are here to provide security for Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Seattle Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Special Agent Plemmons and K-9 Virgil, one of 25 K9 teams, are here to provide security for Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Amarillo Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Amarillo Police Officer Willis and K-9 Karlo, one of 25 K9 teams, are here to provide security for Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Indianapolis Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Special Agent Dudley Salmon and K-9 Molly, one of 25 K9 teams, are here to provide security for Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6. More »
ATF Explosives Detection Canines Play Major Role at Super Bowl XLV
Kansas City Handler-Canine Team Helps Arlington Prepare For Game day
January 31, 2011
DALLAS — Super Bowl brings together the best teams in football, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has brought its best K-9 teams to North Texas. Special Agent Randy O’Dell and his K-9 Roxi, one of 25 K9 teams, are here to provide security for Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6.More »
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Dallas Man on Firearm Charge
December 16, 2010
DALLAS — A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Moses Coppin, 29, of Dallas with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) arrested Coppin on November 17, 2010, on a related federal criminal complaint. He has been in federal custody since that time..More »
Dallas Man, Associated with Local Street Gang, Faces 20 Years in Federal Prison, Without Parole, For Shooting a Federal Agent
December 6, 2010
DALLAS —Gary Montgomery, a/k/a G-Bone,
39, pleaded guilty this morning, before Chief U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater, to assaulting a federal officer, distributing crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Montgomery, and other members/associates of violent local street gangs who allegedly ran a drug distribution conspiracy in the Highland Hills and Pleasant Grove areas in Dallas, were arrested on September 2, 2010. Montgomery is associated with the Highland Hills Posse street gang.More »
Drug Trafficking and Criminal Street Gang Leader Sentenced to 30 Years, Without Parole
November 4, 2010
U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor departed upward from the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines today and sentenced Patrick Weatherall, 33, to serve a total of 30 years in state and federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Weatherall, a leader of a drug trafficking and criminal street gang in Dallas called the West Side Gator Boys,
pleaded guilty in June 2010 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine). More »
Two Men Charged With Conspiracy to Illegally Purchase and Smuggle Military Type Semi-Automatic Rifles to Mexico
September 22, 2010
Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Robert R. Champion, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announce today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging GREGORIO MORALES-MARTINEZ, 34, of Lewisville, Texas, and JORGE ALEXIS BLANCO, 25, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, with a conspiracy to illegally purchase 43 firearms, including military type semi-automatic rifles, in Oklahoma and transfer them to Texas where some were smuggled into Mexico. More »
Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for His Role in the Attempted Murder-for-Hire of Brown County, Texas, Judge
September 17, 2010
U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks, of the Northern District of Texas, announced that Jeffrey Dwayne Harrison, 49, was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison for his role in the attempted murder-for-hire of Judge Stephen Ellis, 35th Judicial District Court Judge of Brown County, Texas. Harrison pleaded guilty in June 2010 to two counts of using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. More »
Seven Street Gang Members Arrested on Federal Charges for Running a Drug Distribution Conspiracy in Dallas
September 2, 2010
Seven alleged members of violent local street gangs, who allegedly ran a drug distribution conspiracy in the Highland Hills and Pleasant Grove areas in Dallas, were arrested this morning on charges outlined in one of two federal indictments returned last month and unsealed late yesterday and today, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. More »
Former El Paso FBI Agent Sentenced for Federal Firearms Violations
August 24, 2010
United States Attorney John E. Murphy announced that in El Paso this morning, former Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent John Shipley was sentenced to two years in federal prison for violating federal firearms laws. More »
Man Admits Role in Attempted Murder-for-Hire of Brown County, Texas, Judge
June 10, 2010
U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks, of the Northern District of Texas, announced that Jeffrey Dwayne Harrison, 49, pleaded guilty today to his role in the attempted murder-for-hire of Judge Stephen Ellis, 35th Judicial District Court Judge of Brown County, Texas. U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings ordered a presentence investigation report with sentencing to be scheduled after the completion of that report. More »
$25,000 Reward Offered for Information in Suspicious Device Incidents in East Texas
March 31, 2010
Robert R. Champion, Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Randall C. Till, Fort Worth Division Inspector in Charge for the United States Postal Inspection Service announced today a reward up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for placing suspicious devices throughout the East Texas area. More »
ATF Enters Investigation Into Saw Mill Fire
March 3, 2010
The National Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with ATF special agents from Tyler have entered the investigation into a fire at the Anthony Forest Products, located at 515 South Louise in Atlanta, Texas. More »
East Texas Arson Task Force Arrests Two
February 21, 2010
Today, law enforcement members of the East Texas Church Arson Task Force arrested two men in connection with the 10 church arsons that began on January 1, 2010. These fires occurred in the Henderson, Smith and Van Zandt Counties. More »
East Texas Arson Task Force Releases Sketches
February 12, 2010
Robert Champion, Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), released three composite sketches of individuals that investigators would like to identify and interview in relation to the some of the church arsons that have occurred in the Henderson, Smith and Van Zandt Counties since January 1. More »
Arlington, Texas Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
ATF National Response Team Activated to Investigate Church Fire in Wills Point, Texas
February 4, 2010
The National Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with ATF special agents from the Tyler Field Office, Dallas Field Division, have been activated to investigate a fire at the Russell Memorial United Methodist Church, located at 400 South 4th Street, Wills Point. More »
ATF Enters Investigation Into Church Fires in Tyler, Texas
January 19, 2010
The National Response Team (NRT) of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with ATF special agents from Tyler have entered the investigation into two church fires in Tyler. There have been six church fires in the East Texas area since January 1st. More »