Straw Buyer Carter and Co. Hit with Firearm Charges

Eleven individuals have been indicted on charges of straw purchasing firearms in a massive operation in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.

According to the 14-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court, Adrian Benito Carter, 26, of Tuscaloosa, is at the center of this scheme, facing 13 counts including felon possession of a firearm and engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license.

Carter’s co-defendants include Chasitychampayle La’Shay Bell, 23; April Nicole Knox, 30; Rikela Denise Chandler, 23; Laquetta Venea Hall, 40; Timothy Neal Coleman, 28; Aaron Tyrone Taylor, 23; Christopher Jermaine Dean, 33; Tyler Allen Neal, 23; La’darrius Deshon Whitehead, 25; and Darron Deshone Taylor, Jr., 25. All are charged with various counts of making false statements during firearm purchases or possession.

The charges carry significant penalties, with up to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and giving a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, and five years for engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license and making a false statement for federal firearm licensee records.

This operation is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through comprehensive community solutions. The ATF’s “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy” campaign also played a role in this investigation, aiming to educate and deter straw purchases. More information about the campaign can be found at www.dontlie.org.

The ATF conducted the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Plyler handling the prosecution. As always, an indictment contains only charges; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.