Johnstown Woman Handed Three-Year Probation for Gun Form Fraud

Johnston, Pa. – In a stunning turn of events, Kimberly G. Yarnavick, a 48-year-old resident of Johnstown, has been sentenced to three years probation for her despicable act of gun form fraud.

The sentence, imposed by United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson, requires Yarnavick to serve the first eight months under home confinement for her conviction.

Yarnavick was caught in an elaborate scheme where she falsely represented herself as the actual buyer of firearms during multiple purchases. According to court documents, she misrepresented herself on July 15, 2009, when buying a Hi Point pistol; on Feb. 5, 2010, with a Phoenix pistol; and on March 3, 2010, with an American Arms pistol.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci Jr. successfully prosecuted the case against Yarnavick, who was purchasing the firearms on behalf of another individual. The deceitful scheme was brought to light through the diligent work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Johnstown Police Department.

U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton commended both agencies for their efforts in bringing Yarnavick to justice, noting that her prosecution was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods – a collaborative initiative aimed at preventing, deterring, and prosecuting gun crime.

This severe sentence sends a strong message that the justice system will not tolerate such fraudulent activities, especially when it involves firearms. The Johnstown community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that justice has been served in this case.