Eric Malik Smith, Aiding and Abetting False Statements, West Virginia 2024

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Maryland man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a federal gun crime. Eric Malik Smith, also known as Star, 25, of Hyattsville, Maryland, was sentenced today to one year and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting false statements related to the purchase of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 1, 2022, Smith traveled with Timothy Lanier Allen III to a Barboursville, West Virginia, business where Smith instructed Allen to purchase a Glock 27 .40-caliber pistol on Smith’s behalf. Smith admitted that Allen falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that he was the purchaser of the firearm when he knew Smith was the actual buyer of the firearm. Smith then took possession of the firearm following the purchase and eventually took it back with him to Maryland. Additional documents and statements made in court showed that Allen purchased at least 4 additional firearms on behalf of Smith.

The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney L. Finney and Owen Reynolds prosecuted the case. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Smith was charged with aiding and abetting false statements related to the purchase of a firearm. This crime is punishable under federal law.

The case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The ATF works to prevent and investigate crimes related to firearms.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-156.

Smith’s prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. During that time, he will be required to comply with certain conditions, including regular meetings with his probation officer and abstaining from illegal activities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/maryland-man-sentenced-prison-federal-gun-crime-0