Heislerville Gun Smuggler Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchases

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Darick Nollett, a 32-year-old Cumberland County man from Heislerville, New Jersey, has admitted to participating in straw purchases to obtain firearms that he was not legally allowed to purchase. Today, Nollett pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp for aiding and abetting the making of a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

The prosecution revealed that Nollett, who has a 2015 felony conviction, orchestrated the purchase of five firearms between 2018 and 2019 by others who falsely claimed to be the buyers on ATF Firearm Transaction Records. In 2020, he also ordered ‘fuel filters’ from China with intent to modify them into firearm silencers.

During a May 2020 search warrant at Nollett’s residence, over 30 firearms were seized, along with ammunition and accessories. As part of his guilty plea, Nollett will surrender all these items. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig commended the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, ATF Newark Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, New Jersey State Police, and the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office for their role in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman from the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden. Sentencing is set for April 5, 2022.