PHILADELPHIA, PA — On Tuesday, United States District Court Judge Harvey Bartle III sentenced Kyle McLemore, 47, of Philadelphia, to 120 months in prison for his participation in a scheme to traffic firearms from South Carolina to Philadelphia. In addition to the prison term, McLemore will serve three years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay a $300 special assessment.
McLemore was implicated as one of seven defendants involved in a conspiracy that entailed the straw purchasing of nearly 60 firearms from South Carolina. The firearms were subsequently trafficked along the notorious “Iron Pipeline” into Philadelphia. Between November 2020 and February 2021, McLemore collaborated closely with co-conspirator Terrance Darby to orchestrate orders for firearms with Ontavious Plumer, who was incarcerated in a South Carolina prison. Plumer facilitated the straw purchases through other co-conspirators, who then transported the weapons to Philadelphia for resale by Darby, McLemore, and Cory Brookins.
After serving 21 years for a 1999 murder conviction, McLemore resumed trafficking activities shortly after his parole release. During this period, he was also employed as a “youth advocate” at the NoMo Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing youth education and reducing gun violence. This dual role starkly contrasted with his illegal activities on the streets.
McLemore faced charges in a superseding indictment issued on March 6, which included conspiracy, dealing in firearms without a license, and possession of a firearm by a felon. He entered a guilty plea to all charges on May 8. His co-conspirators, including Darby, Plumer, Brookins, and three others, have similarly been convicted and sentenced.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero commented on the case, stating, “Kyle McLemore sold dozens of guns from South Carolina on the streets of Philadelphia, while pretending to work to reduce gun violence on those same streets. My office and the ATF will continue to target gun traffickers for federal prosecution – and federal prison time. Every illegal gun and unlawful seller we put out of commission makes our city that much safer.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree added, “McLemore knew all too well from his criminal history and community work that illegally trafficked firearms fuel the deadly violence in his community. Stopping gun trafficking, which puts firearms in the hands of violent criminals and other prohibited people, is a top priority at ATF. We work tirelessly with our local, state, and federal partners to dismantle trafficking operations and federally prosecute the criminals that endanger our communities.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Jeanette Kang and Matthew T. Newcomer, along with Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander B. Bowerman. The sentencing highlights the ongoing efforts of federal authorities to dismantle illegal gun trafficking networks and enhance public safety.
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