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Richard Wyatt, Conspiracy to Deal in Firearms, Colorado 2017
A federal jury in Colorado has delivered a guilty verdict against Gunsmoke Gun Shop Owner Richard Wyatt, 53, for conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license. The verdict, delivered on July 19, 2017, was the result of a six-day trial before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Marcia S. Krieger.
Wyatt, who operated Gunsmoke in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, was accused of conspiring with others to deal in firearms without a license, despite surrendering his Federal Firearms License (FFL) in April 2012. The jury found Wyatt guilty on counts 1, 5, and 6 through 13, but hung on counts 2 through 4.
According to evidence presented at trial, Wyatt aggressively publicized his business through videos on YouTube and a reality TV series that aired on the Discovery Channel from 2011 to 2012. After losing his FFL, Wyatt directed Gunsmoke employees to enter firearm sales in the store’s computer point of sales software system as ‘miscellaneous’ sales rather than firearm sales.
Customers who shopped at Gunsmoke were able to view numerous firearms displayed throughout the store and speak with employees, including Wyatt, about the features of particular firearms. However, customers would ultimately fill out background check paperwork and take possession of the firearms at a different store with a valid federal firearms license.
Wyatt, who first appeared at the trial free on bond, was taken into custody immediately after the guilty verdict. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Krieger on July 19, 2017. The guilty verdicts were the result of a 6-day trial.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Steven Osborne, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge Debora Livingston, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Wyatt’s actions, which continued for nearly two years after he lost his FFL, demonstrate a clear disregard for federal laws and regulations. The guilty verdict serves as a reminder that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Colorado
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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