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Adams County Man Sentenced for Straw Purchasing Firearms
HARRISBURG – In a blow to gun violence, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Donovyn Lee Smallwood, 25, of McSherrystown, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 12 months and one day imprisonment for straw purchasing four firearms for individuals who were prohibited from possessing firearms.
On May 29, 2024, United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson handed down the sentence following Smallwood’s conviction for straw purchasing four 9mm handguns from a licensed firearms dealer in September 2021. Smallwood falsely stated that he was the actual purchaser of these firearms, which would later be used in a homicide and a separate carjacking.
‘These firearm purchases put innocent lives at risk, and for that, Donovyn Smallwood must be held accountable,’ stated United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam. ‘We will continue to work tirelessly to reduce violent crime and gun violence in our communities.’
According to the investigation, on two separate occasions in September 2021, Smallwood purchased a total of four 9mm handguns from a licensed firearms dealer. At the time of the purchases, Smallwood falsely stated that he was the actual purchaser. One of the firearms was subsequently used in a homicide and a separate carjacking.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve. The initiative focuses on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Baltimore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams prosecuted the case, securing a conviction and ensuring that Smallwood faces the consequences of his actions.
The sentence handed down by Judge Wilson serves as a reminder that those who engage in gun violence and straw purchasing will be held accountable for their actions. The Department of Justice will continue to work tirelessly to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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