Moscow Man Sentenced for Firearms, Fraud
COEUR D’ALENE – In a stunning case of corruption, 72-year-old William Douglas Brown of Moscow, Idaho, has been sentenced to two years of probation for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as making a false statement, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
Brown pleaded guilty in both cases on August 23, 2016. According to the plea agreements, Brown aided co-defendant Matt Eugene Ruck in unlawful possession of firearms because Brown knew Ruck was prohibited from possessing firearms due to Ruck’s prior felony conviction.
Although Brown knew that Ruck was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, Brown agreed to purchase the firearms and stored them at their office space. Brown and Ruck both possessed the firearms with either able to use them.
In Brown’s second case, he was charged with making a false statement. At the time of the false statement, Brown knew that because of Ruck’s conviction for fraud and theft, Ruck was debarred from government contracting.
In April 2015, Brown assisted Ruck in obtaining government contracts when he made an application to receive government contracts wherein Brown represented, with Ruck’s assistance, that neither he nor Ruck was debarred. Ruck, through Brown’s company, obtained 12 government contracts.
The cases were investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), General Services Administration – Office of Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Secret Service (USSS).
Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced Brown to two years of probation for his crimes.
Brown’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of corruption and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- Category: White Collar Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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