Weapons task forces charges 10

Ten people were charged today with trafficking in firearms and making straw purchases of guns in Philadelphia, officials announced.

The latest arrests bring to 424 the number of people caught by the Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force since December, 2006, said State Attorney General Tom Corbett.

The task force, which includes agents from Corbett's office and the Philadelphia police, has launched 1,300 investigations and seized 778 firearms, he said. A total of 183 people have been convicted.

"The positive impact this Task Force has had on Philadelphia is undeniable," Corbett said in a statement. "Not only have these agents made arrests and seized illegal firearms, but have assisted in solving shootings, burglaries, robberies, and homicides."

A straw purchase occurs when someone purchases a gun for an individual, who is not legally allowed to have a firearm.

Corbett said that the majority of weapons the task force seized were purchased legally and given to a criminal, stolen in burglaries and thefts, or traded by drug users instead of cash.

Besides those charged today, the task force has arrested two dozen other people in the past two months, officials said.

Charged today were:

Khalid Walker, 30, of the unit block of Rowan Way, Philadelphia. He allegedly stole a 9mm handgun from a residence and sold it illegally on the street.

Jordan Spier, 23, of the 1500 block of Lardner St., Philadelphia, He allegedly used false identification and falsified purchase forms in an attempt to buy a 9mm handgun.

Grace David, 26, of the unit block of Lincoln Ave., Norristown. She allegedly gave a 9mm handgun to her boyfriend, a convicted drug dealer.

Nicholas Riding, 28, of the 800 block of Ritner St., Philadelphia. He allegedly received cash and drugs to buy a .32-caliber handgun for a convicted felon.

Majeeda Lewis, 33, 1900 block of Bonitz St., Philadelphia. She allegedly received $600 to buy a 9mm handgun for a convicted felon.

James Robinson, 22, of the 1300 block of South 4th St., Philadelphia. He allegedly rented and fired a handgun at a firing range despite being prohibited from possessing firearms.

Ryan Magnin, 36, 2800 block of South 65th St., Philadelphia, He allegedly straw purchased three handguns at two different gun shops.

Teayra O'Hannon, 23, of the 199 block of Dennie St., Philadelphia. She allegedly bought a 9mm handgun for a convicted felon.

Kevin Polanco, 29, of the 500 block of Collings Ave., Collingswood, N.J. He allegedly purchased a 9mm Taurus handgun on the street.

Calvin Capers, 33, of the 1800 block of Margaret St., Philadelphia. He allegedly illegally transferred a stolen 9mm handgun with a tampered serial number on the street.