Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have apprehended two Cleveland men, George Baynes and Aaron Betts, on charges related to firearms trafficking and an alleged murder-for-hire scheme.

Arrests Made

The FBI Cleveland Division arrested George Baynes, aged 66, also known as Issa Yusef, and Aaron Betts, aged 48, on Friday following an investigation into their activities.

Allegations and Charges

Court documents reveal that Baynes is accused of purchasing and selling both new and stolen firearms with the intention of smuggling them out of the country. He allegedly recruited Betts to acquire firearms at a local gun show in Cleveland and subsequently sell them to him. These transactions were made despite Baynes being a known felon, according to the FBI Cleveland complaint.

The complaint further alleges that Baynes provided firearms and a gas mask to a cooperating witness for smuggling purposes. Additionally, discussions regarding the smuggling of parts to assemble pipe bombs were reported. Shockingly, Baynes is also accused of soliciting the witness to commit murder.

Baynes and Betts are facing various charges related to their activities, including selling firearms to a convicted felon, conspiracy to straw purchase firearms, firearms trafficking, and conspiracy to traffic firearms. Baynes also faces charges related to attempted smuggling of goods from the United States and the alleged murder-for-hire plot.

Legal Proceedings

Both suspects are currently in custody awaiting preliminary hearings.

Conclusion: Accountability in Gun Trafficking Cases

The arrests of Baynes and Betts underscore the importance of rigorous law enforcement efforts to combat illegal firearms trafficking. Instances like these highlight the need for strict adherence to existing gun laws and the necessity for robust measures to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. The FBI’s swift action in apprehending these individuals serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to safeguarding communities from the dangers posed by illegal firearms activities.

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