Dover Man Sentenced for Straw Purchasing Firearms

A Dover man is facing the consequences of his actions after being sentenced to three years in prison for straw purchasing firearms. 25-year-old Jordan Harmon was found guilty of purchasing 19 semi-automatic pistols from a federally licensed firearms dealer in 2020.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Harmon falsely certified on a federal firearm transaction form that he was purchasing the guns for himself, when in fact he was buying them for others. This scheme, known as straw purchasing, is a serious threat to public safety.

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss praised the hard work of the Dover Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their investigation into the case. Weiss stated, “Straw purchasing firearms for individuals who cannot legally purchase guns is a threat to public safety. I commend the Dover Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives for their hard work in investigating this case.”

The investigation into the case is ongoing, with law enforcement officers having recovered seven of the semi-automatic pistols. The remaining firearms are still out there, and authorities are working to recover them.

The case was investigated by the Dover Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski. Harmon was sentenced by Chief Judge Colm F. Connolly of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.

Anyone considering purchasing a firearm for someone who cannot legally purchase one on their own should take a hard look at the consequences. As U.S. Attorney Weiss noted, “For anyone considering purchasing a firearm for someone who cannot legally purchase one on their own, consider the end result in Mr. Harmon’s case – federal prison.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware is committed to keeping the public safe from gun violence and crime. This case is a prime example of the consequences of straw purchasing firearms.

A copy of the press release is available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the District of Delaware, and related court documents can be found on the District Court website or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-110.