Theophilis "Mike" Burroughs was sentenced in Bronx Supreme Court Thursday after he pleaded guilty to four felony charges
A Newark man and former high school teacher has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his part in a cigarette smuggling and firearms sales ring, which may have funded terrorist organizations, according to authorities.
Theophilis "Mike" Burroughs, 54, was sentenced in Bronx Supreme Court Thursday after he pleaded guilty to four felony charges, including money laundering, tax fraud, conspiracy and criminal firearm sales, said Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson.
Theophilis Burroughs of Newark. (Bronx District Attorney's office) He will also serve five years probation after his release.
The former New York high school music teacher was busted in a sting operation where Burroughs arranged the sale of 13 firearms, some of which were assault rifles, Johnson said. After the transaction took place in the Bronx, authorities seized most of the weapons in a warehouse in Spartanburg, SC.
Over the course of the investigation, which started in 2009, Burroughs bought 27,000 of untaxed cigarettes and sold Oxycodone to undercover cops, according to Johnson.
Burroughs also offered to sell undercover authorities many types of explosive devices, night vision goggles, gunpowder and other drugs, Johnson said.
Guns seized by authorities in sting operation. (Bronx District Attorney's office) During the investigation, Burroughs was recorded saying he believed the individuals he was working with were connected to Hamas, according to authorities. He was also heard expressing his support for Hamas and other terroristic organizations.
"It is particularly disturbing when someone who is tasked with educating our young commits crimes. It is more disturbing that he did so complicit in the belief he was promoting terrorism," said Johnson.
Sixteen other people were also charged in the operation who have already pled guilty to various tax and gun changes, the Bronx District Attorney's office said.
In 2013, Burroughs pleaded guilty to the charges in exchanged for a plea deal, where he would have served 10 years in prison. However, prior to sentencing, Johnson said he withdrew the plea, which resulted in a longer sentence.
Burroughs still faces gun, cigarette and drug charges in New Jersey.
Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
