Altus Man Gets 10 Years for Lying on Gun Form

A 27-year-old Altus man has been convicted of making a false statement during the purchase of a rifle, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

Angel Luis Garcia-Navedo, 27, of Altus, was found guilty after a bench trial of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Garcia-Navedo visited an Altus federal firearm licensee (FFL) in April 2023 to initiate the purchase of a rifle, but failed to disclose that he was under indictment for two felony offenses in Jackson County District Court.

Garcia-Navedo was required to complete ATF Form 4473, which asks buyers to answer several questions, including those about their competency, criminal history, drug use, immigration status, and history with domestic violence. Federal law prohibits knowingly making any false statement in connection with purchasing, or attempting to purchase, a firearm.

The evidence presented at trial showed that Garcia-Navedo indicated on the ATF Form 4473 that he was not under indictment or information for a felony or a crime for which he could be imprisoned for more than one year. However, public records reflect that he was, in fact, charged by information with two felony offenses at the time he completed the form.

This case is the result of an investigation by the ATF and the Altus Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danielle M. Connolly, Mary E. Walters, and Steven W. Creager are prosecuting the case.

At sentencing, Garcia-Navedo faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. Additionally, it is part of ‘Operation 922,’ the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence.

Garcia-Navedo’s conviction is a stark reminder of the importance of honesty when purchasing firearms. It’s a serious offense that can have severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences. As a society, we must take steps to prevent such crimes from occurring in the first place.

This case serves as a warning to those who would seek to deceive authorities in order to obtain firearms. The Western District of Oklahoma will continue to prioritize the prosecution of such cases, as part of its efforts to reduce violent crime in our communities.

For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.