Island-Galvin Sentenced in Straw Purchase Gun Ring

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In a crackdown on illegal firearm straw purchases, Jaqorium Marquise Island-Galvin, 25, and Christian Devon Coleman, 28, were sentenced to substantial prison terms for their roles in the scheme.

Island-Galvin was handed an 18-month sentence followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in June 2022 after partnering with Brianna Alexandria Washington to ‘straw purchase’ at least 18 firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee in Alabama’s Northern District between May 2020 and May 2021.

Washington, the straw purchaser, falsified documents by claiming she was the actual buyer. Island-Galvin directed her to use her name to avoid traceability, with the intent of trafficking the firearms to Chicago. At least four of the 18 guns were recovered in the Windy City.

Meanwhile, Coleman received a 10-month sentence after purchasing a Barrett .50 caliber rifle for resale. He too falsified documents, claiming he was the buyer. The ATF investigated the cases, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Peoples handling the prosecution.

This sentencing is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative focused on reducing violent crime. The ATF’s ‘Don’t Lie for the Other Guy’ campaign targets straw purchases and educates potential participants about legal penalties.

Washington’s sentencing is scheduled for June 27th, adding to the ongoing efforts against gun trafficking in Alabama.