Charles Viles, False Statements to Firearms Dealer, Palmyra ME, 2018

Charles Viles, 31, of Albion, Maine, pleaded guilty to making false statements to a federal firearms dealer in Palmyra, Maine, in June 2018.

According to court records, Viles knowingly made false statements to a licensed firearms dealer in Palmyra. He represented in writing that he was purchasing the firearms for himself despite knowing he was buying them for, and at the direction of, a convicted felon who was legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms.

A straw purchase is an illegal firearm purchase where the actual buyer of the gun, being unable to pass the required federal background check or desiring to not have his or her name associated with the transaction, uses a proxy buyer who can pass the required background check to purchase the firearm for him/her.

Viles’ actions are a stark reminder of the dangers of straw purchasing and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their crimes. Straw purchases can have devastating consequences, including putting innocent lives at risk and flooding our communities with illegal firearms.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Massachusetts State Police investigated the case. The Middlesex County (Massachusetts) District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

Viles faces up to five years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is a prime example of the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime and keep our communities safe. We will continue to work tirelessly to hold individuals accountable for their crimes and bring justice to those affected by gun violence.

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