RUSHVILLE – A Rushville-area man has been found guilty of violating federal firearms laws, according to a recent conviction announced by the U.S. Attorney’s office.
James I. Bowling, age 41, of Manilla, was found guilty by a jury of his peers after a two-day trial in Indianapolis. The jury found that Bowling provided false information in purchasing a firearm, and illegally received a gun while under indictment.
The conviction stems from a false application Bowling made to purchase a .357 caliber revolver at a Rushville sporting goods store on July 19, 2012. Bowling filed sworn statements with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, indicating that he was not under felony indictment or information. However, the defendant was aware of felony charges pending against him in Rush County Superior Court.
Bowling’s conviction is a result of the U.S. Attorney’s Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Indiana State Police. The VCI has led to a significant increase in the number of gun-related charges brought federally, with over 200 defendants charged since its inception in March 2011.
The indictment charges Bowling with providing false information in purchasing a firearm and illegally possessing a firearm while under indictment. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Rinka, Bowling faces up to 10 years in federal prison, as well as a possible fine of up to $250,000.
Bowling is expected to be sentenced at a hearing in Indianapolis within the next 60 days. The defendant’s conviction is a significant step in the U.S. Attorney’s efforts to crack down on those who acquire and use firearms in disregard of the law.
An indictment filed last November charged Bowling with making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm. The conviction is a result of the collaborative investigative efforts by the ATF and the Indiana State Police.
Bowling’s conviction is a reminder of the importance of enforcing federal firearms laws and holding those accountable who violate them.
Defendant Name: James I. Bowling
Criminal Charges: Providing false information in purchasing a firearm and illegally possessing a firearm while under indictment
City and State: Rushville, Indiana
Exact Date: July 19, 2012
Sentence or Outcome: Up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000
Dollar Amounts: $250,000
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Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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