AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two Central Texas men were indicted and arrested in August on charges related to the unlawful dealing of firearms, according to the Justice Department (DOJ).
According to the DOJ, 24-year-old Ronin Michael Rhoades, of Georgetown, and 42-year-old Tristan James Banda, of Pflugerville, were allegedly involved in dealing firearms, despite being unlicensed.
KXAN has reached out to Rhoades’ attorney. This story will be updated if a statement is received. An attorney was not yet listed for Banda.
The DOJ said Rhoades, who was arrested Aug. 1, also allegedly conspired to traffic and straw purchase a variety of firearms. The firearms included AR- and AK-style rifles, FN SCAR rifles, pistols and a .50 caliber rifle.
Rhoades has been charged with:
- conspiracy to traffic firearms with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison
- conspiracy to straw purchase firearms with a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison
- dealing in firearms without a license with a maximum sentence of five years in prison
Banda was arrested Aug. 14 and also faces one count of dealing in firearms without a license, with a maximum sentence of five years.
The DOJ said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was investigating the cases.