Jacob McKenna, Making False Statements in Acquisition of Firearms, Vermont 2024

Burlington, Vermont – In a case that highlights the importance of honesty when dealing with firearms, Jacob McKenna, 38, of Jeffersonville, Vermont, was sentenced to time served followed by a three-year term of supervised release for making false statements in connection with his acquisition of a firearm.

According to court records, McKenna went to a federal firearms licensee in Williston, Vermont on October 28, 2022, where he filled out a written ATF Form 4473 in connection with the purchase of a nine-millimeter pistol. He falsely stated he was not a user of illegal drugs, and based on that false statement, he obtained the pistol.

On January 5, 2023, McKenna returned to the same FFL and attempted to purchase two more nine-millimeter pistols. When confronted about his conduct on January 6, 2023, McKenna admitted to purchasing firearms on several occasions intended for persons prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms.

McKenna pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with his acquisition of a firearm. He was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss on December 17, 2024.

As part of the same case, McKenna’s wife, Tamira McKenna, 36, was also sentenced. She pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with her acquisition of a firearm and was sentenced to time served followed by a two-year term of supervised release by United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford on July 26, 2024.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Burlington Police Department, the South Burlington Police Department, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the Milton Police Department, and the United States Marshal Service.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

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