NEWARK -- Three Georgia men and an Essex County woman were charged Tuesday with conspiring to illegally sell firearms destined for New Jersey in a case that led investigators to seize more than 40 weapons, including an assault rifle, federal authorities said.

Tyheed "Solo" Jefferson, 33, of Albany, Georgia, Carnell Jefferson, 25, also of Albany, Mathias Connor, 41, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Nakiya Glenn, 28, of Irvington, were accused in the gun trafficking scheme, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark announced.

Federal authorities said Tyheed Jefferson, Connor, and Glenn were part of the gun trafficking ring that used "straw purchasers" to buy and transport firearms in Georgia between January and July. The practice involves using a buyer to purchase weapons for another person, who may want to avoid background checks or illegally sell the guns in another state.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said Tyheed Jefferson is also charged with distributing methamphetamine, stemming from a May 24 sale of five guns.

Connor is accused of helping Tyheed Jefferson, identified by prosecutors as the ringleader of the alleged gun trafficking scheme, with obtaining, moving and storing the guns in Georgia.

In at least two transactions, the guns were sold in Georgia, knowing the weapons were bound for New Jersey, according to federal authorities. Firearms were also bought in Georgia and resold in New Jersey on at least five cases.

Glenn, the Irvington resident, stored some of those firearms at her residence, federal authorities said.

Carnell Jefferson purchased multiple firearms at federally-licensed dealers in Georgia on behalf of another conspirator between October 2014 and July 2016 knowing that the weapons were being taken to New Jersey, according to the investigation. Jefferson was paid $50 per gun.

Guns that Jefferson purchased were linked to unspecified "criminal activity" in New Jersey between December 2014 and January, court papers said.

Authorities said they seized 47 firearms as part of the probe, which included an assault rifle with a 75-round magazine, semi-automatic handguns, a shotgun, revolvers and numbers of ammunition.

Tyheed Jefferson, Connor, and Glenn were charged with unlawfully selling firearms to an individual that they knew did not reside in their state of residence. Tyheed Jefferson was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Carnell Jefferson was charged with conspiracy to engage in the business of unlicensed firearms dealing.

Authorities said Connor remained at large. It was not immediately clear if any of those facing charges had retained defense lawyers.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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