Edgerton Man Sentenced for Straw Purchasing Firearms

Madison, Wisc. – Lorenzo Lacey, a 27-year-old Edgerton man, was sentenced yesterday to one year and one day in federal prison for inducing a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Lacey pleaded guilty on March 7, 2024, to the charge of causing another person to make a false statement during the purchase of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. The prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release.

Lacey’s crime involved inducing his co-defendant, Irene Johll, 23, of Oregon, Wis., to falsely state on firearms purchase forms that she was the actual purchaser of three handguns. In reality, Lacey was the actual purchaser. This practice, known as a ‘straw purchase,’ is illegal and is a common method used to obtain firearms illegally.

U.S. District Judge William M. Conley was troubled by Lacey’s actions, stating that there were many red flags indicating the severity of his conduct. Judge Conley noted that dangerous shootings are too common in Madison, and that many of the firearms used in those incidents are illegally obtained.

Lacey is currently charged in Dane County Circuit Court in connection with a shooting that allegedly involved one of the firearms purchased for him by Johll. The case is still pending, and Lacey is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The federal charges against Lacey were the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.

The case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting ‘straw purchase’ cases,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea. “I am grateful for the strong partnership we have with the Fitchburg Police Department. Our office will continue to work closely with ATF and local law enforcement partners to reduce gun violence by holding accountable those who use guns in crime and those who provide guns to criminals.”

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