A Michigan City woman has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for her role in a gun purchase scandal, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Latavia Fleming, 43, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced on February 24, 2022 by United States District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
Fleming was sentenced to 21 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, over the course of several months in 2020, Fleming bought multiple firearms at gun stores. During the purchases, Fleming falsely represented she was the actual buyer of the firearms when she was not. In fact, she bought one firearm for an individual who could not legally purchase firearms. She provided one firearm to a convicted felon who then sold it to someone else. She also sold or traded firearms to several other individuals.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Fleming’s scheme to purchase firearms under false pretenses is a stark reminder of the dangers of unregulated gun sales and the importance of effective law enforcement in preventing gun violence. The sentencing of Fleming serves as a warning to others who would seek to exploit the system for their own gain.
The PSN Program is a critical component of our efforts to reduce violent crime in our communities. By working together, we can identify and address the root causes of violent crime and create safer, more resilient communities for all.
Defendant/respondent: Latavia Fleming
Exact criminal charges: Making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm
City and state: Michigan City, Indiana
Exact date: February 24, 2022
Sentence or outcome: 21 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release
Related Federal Cases
- Briana S. Williams-Heard, False Statements, Indiana 2023 · Michigan
- Josh J Minkler, Police Service Recognition, Indiana 2023 · Michigan
- Roy King, Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Indiana 2023 · Michigan
- Roy King, Armed Massage Parlor Robberies, Indiana 2024 · Maryland
- Danisha Lane, Brandishing a Firearm, Indiana 2024 · Michigan
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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