Byron Jones Jr., False Statements to a Licensed Firearms Dealer, Florida 2023

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Byron Jones Jr., 34, of Jacksonville, is facing federal charges after allegedly attempting to purchase a firearm while concealing his extensive criminal record. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) uncovered the scheme during a routine check of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

According to a federal indictment unsealed today, Jones completed the required ATF Form 4473 during the attempted gun purchase. On the form, he falsely stated he was not a convicted felon. This was a brazen lie, prosecutors say, given Jones’s three prior felony convictions, dating back to 2015 and 2018. One of those convictions involves carrying a concealed firearm – a detail that would have immediately flagged him as prohibited from owning a weapon.

The NICS system, a crucial tool in preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands, flagged the discrepancy. All denied transactions are forwarded to federal law enforcement for investigation, and in this case, the ATF quickly moved to build a case against Jones. Federal authorities are increasingly focused on these types of straw purchases and false statements, viewing them as a direct threat to public safety.

If convicted, Jones faces a stiff penalty: up to five years in federal prison. The charge stems from the federal law prohibiting false statements to a licensed firearms dealer, a felony offense. While an indictment is not proof of guilt, the evidence gathered thus far suggests a clear attempt to circumvent the law and illegally acquire a weapon.

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg of the Middle District of Florida announced the indictment, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to cracking down on gun violence. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies aimed at reducing violent crime and making communities safer.

Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot is prosecuting the case. The investigation was led by the ATF’s Tampa Field Division. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. This isn’t just about one man and one gun; it’s about a system designed to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, and the consequences for those who try to game the system.

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