Large weapons bust in Jackson County

ATLANTA - Federal agents have arrested a man from Commerce they believe is a major dealer in illegal firearms.

U.S. Attorney William Duffey says Thomas Timms, 59, is accused of selling scores of firearms, many of which have been recovered at crime scenes in at least a half dozen states.

"He was selling guns indiscriminantly to anyone who wanted to purchase," Duffey says. "That is what worries us."

Agents tracked Timms through gun shows and crime scenes.

"By tracing weapons that were found by law enforcement officials up the eastern seaboard, the common theme was the were originating with Mr. Timms in Commerce."

A large cache of weapons was seized at the time of Timms arrest.

"We found and have seized over 150 weapons and over 60,000 rounds of ammunition." Duffey says.

A 28-page affidavit from an agent of the U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives division describes in detail the alleged purchase of a number of weapons from Timms, including three 9mm pistols and two other handguns along with several 14- and 15-round pistol magazines.

Duffey says such dealers are very dangerous to the general public.

"Anybody that would have this large of a cache of weapons and would sell them to anybody who would have the money to buy it means guns are getting into the hands of the wrong people." Duffey adds. "And we are gonna stop that."

Timms along with Lula Lambert were arrested at 136 Wood Street, Commerce Thursday.