Justin Clayburn, Firearms Possession, Wyoming 2023

CASPER, Wyo. – A Laramie man with a criminal past is headed to federal prison after a bust uncovered illegal firearms in his home. Justin Taylor Clayburn, age 48, received a 60-month sentence from Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 29th, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements to acquire one.

The case began with a search of Clayburn’s residence by agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) during an investigation into an unrelated crime. What they found wasn’t just evidence of that initial offense – it was a cache of firearms and ammunition, all illegally held by a man legally barred from owning them. Clayburn’s prior felony conviction automatically disqualifies him from possessing guns.

But Clayburn didn’t buy the guns himself. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) traced the firearms back to Carl Everette Holaday, age 46, also of Laramie. Holaday acted as a straw purchaser, illegally buying the weapons for Clayburn. This scheme allowed the convicted felon to circumvent the law and arm himself.

Holaday received an 18-month sentence for his role in the conspiracy, also handed down by Judge Skavdahl. Both men were indicted in May and entered guilty pleas in September, acknowledging their involvement in the illegal firearms trafficking. The investigation revealed a deliberate attempt to bypass federal gun laws.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom prosecuted the case, building a solid argument based on evidence collected by both DCI and ATF agents. The collaborative effort brought down the pair and kept more illegal guns off the streets of Wyoming. The investigation highlights the ongoing issue of straw purchasing and the difficulty in tracing firearms used in crimes.

This case serves as a stark reminder that possessing firearms while being a convicted felon carries severe consequences. The lengthy sentence imposed on Clayburn, coupled with Holaday’s punishment, sends a message that such actions will not be tolerated. The ATF Denver Field Division continues to work with state and local partners to combat illegal gun trafficking and protect communities.

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