Mikellen Clements, Kemith Calvin, and Laytayah Gross have been charged with firearms trafficking and conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking, according to a March 16 statement from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Clements faces additional charges of making false statements during firearms purchases and aiding and abetting these offenses.
The case is significant because it involves allegations of coordinated straw purchases of at least 68 firearms in Georgia, which were then trafficked to the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area. Authorities say that at least 15 of these weapons have been recovered by police in those regions, some linked to suspected drug trafficking activities and drive-by shootings.
“These defendants allegedly coordinated dozens of fraudulent gun purchases in Georgia and directly or indirectly put guns in the hands of out-of-state criminals,” said U.S Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “The Department of Justice is committed to fighting violent crime across the country and will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute the gun traffickers who facilitate it.”
ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd said, “This case highlights the critical partnership between federal and local law enforcement agencies. Together, we are working tirelessly to dismantle trafficking networks that threaten the safety of our neighborhoods.”
Court documents indicate that from May 2023 through August 2024, the defendants conspired to purchase firearms using false information from federally licensed dealers in northern Georgia. In one instance from May 2025, a Micro Draco pistol allegedly purchased at Clements’s direction was found loaded with 17 rounds at a Maryland high school.
Gross and Calvin appeared in federal court on March 5 and March 10 respectively, pleading not guilty to all charges. Clements remains detained on local charges in Washington, D.C., awaiting arraignment before a federal magistrate judge.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cathelynn Tio and Matthew S. Carrico are prosecuting.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency for a region covering approximately 7.5 million residents across north Georgia mountains, Atlanta suburbs, and borders with Alabama and the Carolinas according to its official website. The office prioritizes prosecution of threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, civil rights violations; enforces federal criminal laws; represents the United States in civil matters; collaborates with law enforcement agencies; coordinates cases with nationwide or international dimensions; and works to protect public safety according to its official website.
Hertzberg holds the position of United States Attorney for this district according to its official website.
