BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jerry Antonio Baine a/k/a Bank 3x, 23, of Durham, NC, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in the firearms business without a license, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Between March 2023, and June 23, 2025, Baine conspired with Hassain Humphrey, Keishawn Turner, Jylin Woods, and Benjamin Martin, to illegally sell firearms. During this time, Baine sent Humphrey photographs of approximately 19 firearms, several were privately manufactured firearms, bearing no serial number. On multiple occasions, he indicated that the firearms were for sale, and he and Humphrey would often discuss a potential sale price. On one occasion, Baine indicated that a sale price proposed by Humphrey would not leave him with enough "profit." When discussing certain firearms via text message, Baine and/or Humphrey used the terms "ghost" and "p80," terms commonly used to refer to privately manufactured firearms bearing no serial number.

During the conspiracy, Baine purchased multiple firearms from retail establishments in North Carolina, one of which was recovered in a separate criminal investigation in Buffalo, on July 4, 2024. Another firearm was recovered in a separate criminal investigation in Buffalo on June 19, 2026.

In October 2024, Baine was interviewed by members of the ATF, during which he stated that he purchased multiple firearms for Humphrey in North Carolina. He also confirmed that he had knowledge that Humphrey and another individual were reselling the firearms in New York. Baine that he sold the firearms to Humphrey because he was unemployed and needed the money. Baine admits that neither he or Humphrey were licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers, and collectors of firearms.

Humphrey and Turner were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against Jylin Woods and Benjamin Martin.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis A. Testani and Monica Benjovsky. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Police Commissioner Erika Shields and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2027, before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

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