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Elma Man Sentenced for Lying to Buy Gun
Bernard T. Grucza, 38, of Elma, New York, has been handed an 18-month prison sentence for making false written statements to obtain a firearm.
According to U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., Grucza was found to have been in possession of a Ruger .380 caliber pistol, despite being subject to a restraining order issued by Elma Town Court. The defendant also made false statements to Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, claiming he had destroyed the pistol and thrown out the parts, when in fact he had not.
The investigation, which involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, and the Hamburg Police Department, revealed that Grucza had stolen over $200,000 worth of merchandise and cash from Toys R Us and sold the merchandise on eBay.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that Grucza’s actions were a clear violation of the law, and that the defendant’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge William M. Skretny sentenced Grucza to 18 months in prison, in addition to ordering the defendant to pay $223,000 in restitution to Toys R Us.
The sentencing is a significant victory for law enforcement, and serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit the system for their own gain. As U.S. Attorney Hochul noted, ‘This sentence should serve as a reminder that we will hold accountable those who engage in violent and destructive behavior.’
Grucza’s sentence is a result of the tireless efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who worked on the case. Their dedication to justice is a testament to the importance of keeping our communities safe.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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