Seven more defendants appeared in court Friday to answer charges in the federal firearms trafficking case

Seven more defendants appeared in court Friday to answer charges in the federal firearms trafficking case. So far, all defendants in the case have pleaded "not guilty."

Check out the mug shots of those arrested and those still wanted in connection with an illegal weapons investigation in South Mississippi.

Much of the afternoon Friday was spent on a detention hearing for defendant John Buster Jones. Defense attorney, Peter Barrett, called Jones a National Guard veteran who served a tour of duty in Iraq and suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The prosecutor described a young man who's a self-confessed gang member, who faces lengthy prison time if convicted of serious firearms charges. Jones faces up to 30 years in prison for his alleged role in the gun trafficking case.

An ATF agent testified they have recorded surveillance of Jones making illegal gun sales to an undercover agent. The agent also said Jones admitted to being a member of the Latin Kings street gang. This case involves the sale of weapons to another street gang, the Simon City Royals.

Defense attorney Peter Barrett described Jones as an Iraqi war veteran who suffers from PTSD, with no criminal history other than a DUI.

The owner of a plumbing business, James Woodward, who's also an Iraqi vet, told the court Jones was a hard working employee. Woodward was willing to act as a third party custodian if Jones was granted bond.

But federal Judge John Roper denied bond, citing the nature and circumstances of the firearms charges against him and the weight of the evidence, including the alleged gang affiliation.

The employer who said Jones was "like a brother to him" was shocked by the court's decision.

"He'd been a long term employee of mine and very valuable. And this has just floored me.  I don't know what to make of it. I'm not one to judge anybody.  He's just a very valuable person and he's got a big heart.,  Never really done anything wrong. I mean for me. What he does on his personal time is his business," Woodward told WLOX News.

The trial for the gun trafficking defendants is set for August 6, 2012 before federal Judge Walter Gex.