Michael Ronald Garant, Making a False Statement, Minnesota 2014

Defendant’s Deceit Leads to Gun Purchase Charges

In a shocking turn of events, Michael Ronald Garant, 42, has been charged with making a false statement to acquire firearms on behalf of another person. The charges, which were announced by U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger, stem from an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the criminal complaint, Garant acted as a straw purchaser for Ray Kmetz, buying three shotguns on August 23, 2014, at Full Metal Gun Shop in Princeton, Minn. Garant informed the owner of the gun shop that he used the alias “Ray Kmetz” during the online auction to hide his true identity.

During the background check process, Garant responded “yes” to a question asking if he was the actual buyer, despite knowing he was acquiring the firearms on behalf of Kmetz. This lie was discovered during the investigation, which revealed that Garant paid $659.29 in cash for the three shotguns.

The shotguns, including a Stoeger Model 2000 12-gauge shotgun bearing serial number 915191, were later used in a violent incident on January 26, 2015, when Kmetz entered New Hope City Hall, armed with a shotgun and fired one round in the direction of the council chambers. New Hope Police Officers responded with fire and killed Kmetz.

Garant’s deceitful actions have led to serious consequences, and he now faces a single count of making a false statement to acquire firearms on behalf of another person. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nate Petterson and Benjamin Bejar are prosecuting this case.

The charges against Garant are a stark reminder of the importance of honest answers during the gun purchase process. As U.S. Attorney Luger stated, “Background checks are only as good as the accuracy of the information collected. Honestly answering questions about the intended recipient of a firearm is an important component of responsible gun ownership and key to public safety.”

Garant will appear before Magistrate Judge Steven Rau in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minn., to face the charges against him. The case is a sobering reminder of the dangers of straw purchasing and the importance of accurate information during the gun purchase process.

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