DES MOINES, IA – Kenneth Quinton Crosby, 24, of Des Moines is headed to federal prison after admitting to a string of gun-related offenses. Crosby was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, for lying on federal firearm purchase forms and possessing guns while actively using marijuana.
Court documents reveal Crosby purchased at least five firearms between 2020 and 2021. Each time, he allegedly signed ATF Form 4473, a legally required document, and knowingly provided false information. These forms demand truthful answers regarding a buyer’s background, including criminal history, drug use, and any history of domestic violence. The feds say Crosby wasn’t being truthful.
The scheme unraveled when, on February 9, 2022, authorities found Crosby in possession of four pistols despite his ongoing marijuana use – a clear violation of federal law. He wasn’t supposed to *have* those guns. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) launched the investigation that ultimately led to his conviction.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Essley prosecuted the case, building a case based on Crosby’s own admissions and evidence gathered by the ATF. There’s no parole in the federal system, meaning Crosby will serve the full duration of his sentence.
This case isn’t an isolated incident, officials say. It’s part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by coordinating efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as community organizations. The Department of Justice recently doubled down on PSN, focusing on building trust with communities and targeting enforcement efforts.
The feds are sending a message: lying to obtain firearms and illegally possessing them, especially while engaged in drug use, carries serious consequences. Crosby’s case serves as a warning to others who might consider skirting the law, and a demonstration that the ATF and the Department of Justice are actively working to keep illegal firearms off the streets of Des Moines and beyond.
Related Federal Cases
- Kenneth Quinton Crosby Sentenced on Firearm Offenses, Des Moines IA, 2023 · Iowa
- Geromey Gilliand, Possession of Firearm by Illegal Drug User, Dubuq… · Iowa
- Paris Clevont’e Lyes, Possession of Firearms with Illegal Drug Use,… · Illinois
- Joseph Haack, Possession of Firearm by Drug User, NE 2021 · Indiana
- Jose Alcaraz Guerrero Sentenced to 5 Years for Loaded Firearm Posse… · Pennsylvania
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