Anthony Sok Say, a 25-year-old resident of Lowell, Massachusetts, admitted in federal court today to conspiring to lie on official documents in an attempt to illegally obtain a handgun in Hooksett, New Hampshire. Say pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Make a False Statement in Connection with the Attempted Acquisition of a Firearm, a federal charge carrying stiff penalties under U.S. law.
The scheme unfolded on October 21, 2015, when Say and co-conspirator Grace Corcoran, a New Hampshire resident, walked into a federally licensed firearms dealer in Hooksett. Say, barred by federal law from purchasing a handgun in another state, recruited Corcoran to act as the straw buyer. He directed her to falsely claim she was the actual purchaser on the required ATF Form 4473, which every buyer must sign under penalty of perjury.
Corcoran filled out the form certifying she was the true buyer — a lie orchestrated by Say. But the deal collapsed when employees at the gun shop grew suspicious and refused to finalize the transfer. Instead, they contacted law enforcement, triggering a federal investigation. The firearm never changed hands, but the paper trail was enough to build a case.
Say’s plea marks another conviction under Project Safe Neighborhoods, the U.S. Department of Justice’s nationwide push to crack down on illegal gun trafficking through aggressive prosecution and local partnerships. Authorities stress that even attempted straw purchases are serious federal offenses, regardless of whether the weapon is ultimately obtained.
Corcoran, who also admitted her role, pleaded guilty to a related charge on January 12, 2017, and awaits sentencing on April 25, 2017. Say’s sentencing is set for May 16, 2017, where he faces potential prison time, fines, and a permanent federal firearms ban.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) out of Bedford, with support from the Manchester Police Department in New Hampshire. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Morse is prosecuting the case, underscoring the federal government’s zero-tolerance stance on circumventing gun laws through deception.
Related Federal Cases
- Michael Younge Pleads Guilty in Hooksett Gun Scheme · Massachusetts
- Bergeron, Dunn & Fithian Nabbed in NH Gun Straw Purchase Scheme · Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Scheme · Massachusetts
- Charlestown’s Charles Baker Cuffed in Gun Trafficking Bust · Massachusetts
- Felon Gun Clerk Guilty · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: New Hampshire
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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