Felicya Knox, Making False Statements, Illinois 2023

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Table of Contents

Freeport Woman Admits to Buying Guns for Convicted Felon

ROCKFORD — In a disturbing case of firearm trafficking, FELICYA KNOX, 31, of Freeport, Illinois, pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms. This is a federal offense that carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.

Knox admitted to knowingly making false and fictitious written statements to a firearms dealer on multiple dates. She then transferred those guns to a known felon whom Knox knew could not legally purchase or possess them. The plea agreement details the egregious nature of Knox’s actions, which put innocent lives at risk.

The investigation into Knox’s activities was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Freeport Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Maveus.

Disrupting illegal firearms trafficking is a top priority for law enforcement agencies in the Northern District of Illinois. The Chicago Firearms Trafficking Strike Force is dedicated to stemming the supply of illegally trafficked firearms and identifying patterns, leads, and potential suspects in violent gun crimes.

Knox is set to be sentenced on May 10, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard in Rockford. As the case against Knox unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of firearm trafficking and the devastating consequences it can have on communities.

The guilty plea announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Jeffrey L. Matthews, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold firearm offenders accountable through federal prosecution.

The Northern District of Illinois has deployed the Project Safe Neighborhoods program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues, particularly firearm offenses. This program aims to reduce violent crime by working closely with law enforcement partners and community stakeholders.

As the case against Knox progresses, it is essential to acknowledge the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating firearm trafficking and keeping communities safe.