Jessy Avila-Venegas, Gun Straw Purchases, Louisiana 2023

NEW ORLEANS, LA – A Covington man is headed to federal prison after admitting to acting as a straw purchaser for firearms, knowingly helping individuals prohibited from owning guns to acquire them illegally. Jessy Avila-Venegas, age 28, received a 36-month sentence on March 1, 2023, following a conviction on five counts of violating the Federal Gun Control Act, specifically Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(a)(6) and 924(a)(2). He’ll also serve three years of supervised release after his prison term and pay $500 in mandatory assessments.

According to federal prosecutors, Avila-Venegas repeatedly lied on Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473 – the standard firearm transaction record. On five separate occasions, he falsely certified that he was the true buyer of the guns, when in reality, he was purchasing them for someone else who was legally barred from possessing them. This isn’t a case of a simple mistake; it’s a deliberate attempt to circumvent the law and arm dangerous individuals.

The investigation, led by the ATF, uncovered a pattern of Avila-Venegas facilitating illegal gun transactions. Federal authorities haven’t revealed the identities of the individuals Avila-Venegas was assisting, citing the ongoing nature of investigations into related crimes. This raises concerns about a potential network of illegal firearms trafficking operating in and around the Covington area.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans, of the Eastern District of Louisiana, announced the sentencing, framing it as a victory for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is a federally funded initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by coordinating law enforcement efforts at all levels. While officials tout PSN’s success, critics argue it often focuses on low-level offenders while failing to address the root causes of gun violence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss, of the Violent Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case. The relatively short sentence—36 months—may draw criticism from gun control advocates who argue that straw purchasers should face harsher penalties given the potential for the firearms to be used in violent crimes. However, federal sentencing guidelines and the specifics of the case likely played a role in the judge’s decision.

The case serves as a warning: anyone caught intentionally falsifying information on federal firearms forms faces significant federal penalties. The ATF continues to aggressively pursue individuals involved in illegal gun trafficking, and this conviction underscores their commitment to keeping firearms out of the hands of those who would misuse them. The investigation remains ongoing, and further charges are possible.

Related Federal Cases