A 54-year-old Newark man and a former New York high school teacher was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a cigarette smuggling and firearms sales ring, according to authorities.
On Thursday, Theophilis (Mike) Burroughs pleaded guilty to four felony charges, including money laundering, tax fraud, conspiracy and criminal firearm at the Bronx Supreme Court.
During an sting operation that started back in 2009, Burroughs made arrangements to sell 13 firearms in the Bronx. Burroughs also bought 27,000 of untaxed cigarettes and sold Oxycodone to undercover cops while offering undercover officers various types of explosive devices, night vision goggles, gunpowder and other drugs.
According to authorities, a conversation were Burroughs says he believes that individuals he was working with were connected to Hamas were recorded.
In the recording, Burroughs allegedly goes on to express his support for Hamas and other terroristic organizations.
Burroughs still faces gun, cigarette and drug charges in New Jersey.
During the sting operation, sixteen others were also charged, according to officials.