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Lawrence Monte Morgan, 24, Sentenced for Straw Purchasing Guns Used in Multiple D.C. Shootings
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Lawrence Monte Morgan, 24, of Waldorf, Maryland, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for his role in the illegal purchase of 12 guns, including one gun that was used in multiple shootings in Washington, D.C.
Lawrence Monte Morgan, along with co-defendant Jamal Baker, purchased 12 guns from various federal firearms dealers within the Eastern District of Virginia in August 2014. Morgan aided and abetted Baker’s false statements by accompanying Baker to firearms dealers, reimbursing Baker for the purchases, finding buyers for and reselling the guns, and providing Baker with a share of the profits from the resale of the guns to other buyers.
“Prosecuting straw purchasers is essential because of the critical role these purchasers play in enabling the unlawful possession and use of guns,” said U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. “Prohibited individuals who cannot buy guns, including convicted felons, rely on straw purchasers to buy the guns for them. Often times the guns then end up in the hands of dangerous individuals and are used in other crimes, as in this case.”
Morgan pleaded guilty on Aug. 3, 2015. The gun used in multiple shootings in Washington, D.C. was one of the 12 guns purchased by Morgan and Baker in August 2014. Law enforcement has since recovered several of the guns that Morgan and Baker purchased.
Baker was sentenced to one year and one day in prison on Oct. 15, 2015. Morgan was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tobias Tobler prosecuted the case. Morgan will serve his sentence followed by two years of supervised release after his release from prison.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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