Kobe Y. Patterson, Straw Purchase, Michigan 2024

In a brazen act of defiance, 24-year-old Kobe Y. Patterson of Grand Blanc, Michigan, has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with illegally purchasing firearms for others, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.

Patterson’s illicit activities were made possible by his ability to deceive local firearms dealers into believing he was the actual purchaser of the firearms. However, in reality, he knew he was purchasing the firearms on behalf of others, a practice commonly referred to as a ‘straw purchase.’

Straw purchasing is a serious threat to public safety as it undermines background check laws and contributes to the illegal gun market. The indictment also charges Patterson with illegally possessing a machine gun.

When questioned about the severity of Patterson’s actions, U.S. Attorney Gorgon Jr. stated, ‘Patterson’s straw purchases are dangerous because they undermine our ability to keep firearms away from criminals and other prohibited persons.’ He emphasized that ‘If you straw purchase a gun, we will prosecute you.’

ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir echoed Gorgon’s sentiments, calling Patterson a ‘gun violence enabler.’ He emphasized that ‘Patterson is a gun violence enabler! He represents the worst in our community by trafficking firearms to people unable to legally obtain and possess them.’

The case was investigated by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, with assistance from the Grand Blanc Township Police Department and the Flint Township Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Vance.

It is essential to note that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Related Federal Cases