Kent Man Sentenced for Firearms Trafficking
A South King County man was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in purchasing more than 130 firearms in a "straw purchaser" scheme.
Dion Jamar Cooper, 33, was arrested in April 2023 following an investigation by the Seattle Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Cooper pleaded guilty in February 2024 to two counts of making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of firearms, one count of straw purchasing firearms and one count of trafficking in firearms.
During the investigation, agents found that Cooper had purchased 107 firearms since June 2021. Further investigation revealed that the number of guns purchased was actually 133, leaving more than 70 guns still in the community, likely possessed by those who are legally prohibited from having firearms.
Agents surveilled Cooper and another individual, De’ondre Lamontia Phillips, 33 of Federal Way, Washington, who is prohibited from purchasing and possessing firearms due to previous convictions.
Phillips was sentenced to seven years in prison last month for his role in the scheme. Cooper’s case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Seattle Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg prosecuted the case.
U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez sentenced Cooper to three years in prison, stating "Do you understand the damage that has been done in the community?" The judge also noted that even as Cooper awaited sentencing, additional crime guns linked to his straw purchasing activity were being found.
The recovered firearms were connected to crimes such as armed robberies, bank robberies, carjackings, assaults, drive-by shootings, and a homicide.
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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