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Man Charged in Straw Purchase Scam
A former Chicago resident has been hit with federal firearm charges for allegedly purchasing handguns on behalf of another individual in a suburban Chicago store.
According to an indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, JUSTIN GARCIA, 24, purchased two handguns in 2019 and 2020 from a licensed firearms dealer in Crete, Ill., and falsely certified on federal forms that he was the actual buyer.
The indictment alleges that Garcia purchased the guns on behalf of another individual, and he is now facing two counts of making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm.
Garcia pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in federal court in Chicago, and a status hearing is set for September 30, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Franklin U. Valderrama.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Kristen de Tineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan DeMarco, and each charge in the indictment is punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt, and Garcia is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Garcia’s alleged actions are a serious offense, and if convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The public is reminded that straw purchasing is a federal crime, and those involved can face severe penalties.
Garcia’s case has sparked concerns about the ease of straw purchasing and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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