Khalil Armstrong, Straw Purchasing and Trafficking Firearms, Pennsylvania 2023

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A shocking case of straw purchasing and firearms trafficking has come to an end with a former Duquesne resident being sentenced to prison. Khalil Armstrong, 27, was sentenced to two years and 10 months (34 months) in prison and three years of supervised release on violations of federal firearms laws, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Brady on today.

Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Armstrong for conspiracy to make false statements in acquisition of a firearm, making a false statement in the acquisition of a firearm, and making a false statement to a licensed firearm dealer. Armstrong has been detained since his initial appearance in federal court.

According to information presented to the court, in and around January and February 2018, Armstrong, co-defendant Melvin Bowles, and others conspired to have Armstrong purchase firearms on behalf of Bowles and others. To further this conspiracy, Armstrong made false statements on required federal firearms forms and to federally licensed firearms dealers representing that he was the true purchaser of the firearms. In fact, Armstrong was not the true purchaser and was buying the firearms for other individuals including Bowles, a convicted felon. In total, Armstrong purchased 23 firearms in this manner and distributed them to Bowles and other individuals.

On February 15, 2018, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Pittsburgh division executed a search warrant at Bowles’ residence and recovered the firearm purchased by Armstrong. The 22 remaining firearms have not been recovered. Melvin Bowles was sentenced previously to 14 months of time served.

The investigation leading to the guilty plea and sentence in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Tobacco, Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Armstrong's case is a stark reminder of the dangers of straw purchasing and firearms trafficking. The consequences of such actions can have devastating effects on communities, and it is essential that those involved are held accountable for their crimes.

Defendant/Respondent: Khalil Armstrong

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to make false statements in acquisition of a firearm, making a false statement in the acquisition of a firearm, and making a false statement to a licensed firearm dealer

City and State: Pittsburgh, PA

Exact Date: January and February 2018 (crime date), today (sentencing date)

Sentence or Outcome: 34 months in prison and three years of supervised release

Defendant's Age: 27

Co-Defendant: Melvin Bowles

Co-Defendant's Sentence: 14 months of time served

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/former-duquesne-man-sentenced-prison-straw-purchasing-and-trafficking-firearms