FRANKFORT, Ky. – A grim sentence was handed down this week for a Richmond, Ky., man accused of engaging in the illegal sale of firearms. Aaron Shanks, 49, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove for two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of an unregistered firearm.
According to court documents, between December 20, 2022, and January 17, 2023, Shanks sold firearms through several transactions facilitated by a confidential informant. One particular deal on December 21, 2022, saw Shanks selling a 9mm pistol and an unregistered silencer. The devices were devoid of manufacturer’s marks or identification, a fact that Shanks admitted he was aware of.
Shanks’ illegal activities came to light as he had previously been prohibited from possessing firearms due to several felony convictions. His actions, however, did not stop there, as he brazenly continued his illegal trade despite his legal restrictions.
Under federal law, Shanks is required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for release. Following his prison term, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for an additional three years.
The relentless pursuit of justice in this case was a collaborative effort between the ATF and the Madison County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States, ensuring that Shanks faced the full brunt of the law.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who flout firearms laws with such disregard for public safety.
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Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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