Kevin Staton, Jr., Firearms Trafficking, Virginia 2020

FIREARMS TRAFFICKING RING DISMANTLED

NORFOLK, Va. — A Chesapeake man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false statements in connection with 45 firearm transactions. Kevin Staton, Jr., 23, will face the consequences for his actions, which spanned from June 2019 through June 2020.

Staton engaged in the business of buying and selling firearms without a license, making false official statements on ATF forms to buy the guns. He claimed to be the actual buyer, but in reality, he was purchasing the firearms for other individuals or with intent to resell them. Staton coordinated with co-conspirators to identify firearms for purchase through online firearm marketplaces.

During an interview with ATF agents, Staton said, “Guns are like money,” and “I’m buying them knowing I’m going to be selling them.”

At least 15 of the 45 firearms Staton purchased were recovered from crime scenes in other cities and states. All but one of those firearms had been used for a crime or recovered by law enforcement less than one year after purchase from Staton.

Staton is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27, 2022 and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-141.

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