An investigation into the flow of out-of-state guns to murder-ravaged Chicago finds that the ATF's anti-trafficking methods -- setting up illegal firearms deals – often bait small-time offenders whose arrests don't make much of a difference. Worse, critics say, this expensive tactic encourages the very gun networks law enforcement is trying to stop.
From ProPublica, Chicago Sun-Times, and WBEZ Chicago:
Read Full Article »The ATF's tactics are, in some ways, similar to how federal authorities battle other issues. With political corruption, they have used cooperating witnesses to offer bribes to elected officials. Fighting terrorism, they have contacted and enticed disaffected young men to discuss possible plots. Whether any of those targets would have acted without prodding is hotly debated following an arrest. …
“We try to hit the top people as much as we can,” said a federal law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “They're tough cases to prove. If we can get them on one gun, we can get them off the street.”
Wesley Pickett, who is serving eight years for helping Yousef buy guns, admits he was wrong to get involved. But he argues that putting people like him in prison will not stem the flow of weapons.
“Getting a gun in the city,” he said in a letter from a federal prison in Pennsylvania, “is like buying a pack of cigarettes at a gas station.”
