A Belozoni man has been found guilty of firearm trafficking from Mississippi to Chicago, as well as lying during the weapon purchase process.

Jarvis Hood, 23, drew investigators’ attention after federal agents noted a rise in guns used in Chicago crimes that were initially bought in Mississippi. Some of the firearms linked to Chicago crime scenes had been purchased in the Magnolia State just one day prior to being used in criminal activity.

According to court documents, more than 60 illegally obtained firearms were transported from Mississippi to Chicago for resale. Several of these weapons, recovered from violent crime scenes, had been fitted with machinegun devices, enabling automatic fire. Five individuals previously pled guilty in connection with the scheme.

After a five-day trial, a federal jury found Hood guilty of conspiracy to transfer firearms to out-of-state residents and making false statements to federal firearms licensees. His sentencing is set for February 4, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner condemned the scheme, stating, “This defendant and his cohorts profited and contributed to the gun violence plaguing Chicago by illegally trafficking in firearms.” He credited Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Addison and Sam Stringfellow for leading an interagency team that disrupted the pipeline of illegal firearms.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Chicago Field Division, with assistance from the ATF Oxford Field Office, Chicago Police Department, Wilmette Police Department, and Amtrak Police Department.