INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Randy Coffey, 36, of Indianapolis, is facing more than five years in federal prison after a brazen attempt to acquire a handgun despite a lengthy criminal record. Coffey was sentenced to 63 months behind bars after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm, a case highlighting the ongoing struggle to keep guns out of the hands of convicted criminals.
The scheme unfolded in March 2022, when Coffey first attempted to purchase a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol from Cash America Pawn, a federally licensed firearms dealer. He falsely claimed on the required federal form that he wasn’t a convicted felon, a clear lie given his previous convictions. The attempt failed when a background check revealed his criminal history. But Coffey didn’t give up. Hours later, he returned to the same pawn shop, this time enlisting another individual to make the purchase for him.
Coffey remained in his vehicle while an accomplice purchased a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol. The arrangement was a classic “straw purchase” – Coffey provided $120 to the other person in exchange for the firearm, effectively circumventing the law and allowing a prohibited individual to possess a deadly weapon. A straw purchase occurs when someone legally able to buy a gun purchases it for someone who cannot, often a convicted felon.
Just a week later, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) detectives pulled Coffey over for a traffic violation. He lacked a valid license or registration. A search of his vehicle revealed the Taurus 9mm, the same gun purchased through the illegal scheme. The handgun was loaded, with a round chambered and ready to fire. Coffey’s previous felony convictions – armed robbery resulting in bodily injury in 2006 and 2013 – made his possession of the firearm a federal offense.
“Illegally armed, violent criminals drive the unacceptable gun violence suffered by Indianapolis and far too many other communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Straw-purchases and other gun trafficking schemes are a major source of the guns obtained and used by these dangerous offenders.” The sentence handed down by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney, including three years of supervised release following his prison term, sends a message that such actions will not be tolerated.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation, with crucial support from IMPD. “Violent felons possessing firearms poses a severe risk to public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCormick. “ATF will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend violent convicted felons who put our communities at risk.” Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate prosecuted the case, part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence nationwide.
Related Federal Cases
- Juan Hernandez, Tucson Gun Dealer Peddled Illegal Firearms, Tucson … · Wyoming
- Eleven Indiana convicts, Illegal Gun Possession, IN, 2023 · Illinois
- Christopher Hutton, Illegal Firearm Possession, Hammond IN, 2023 · Illinois
- David Christopher Martin, Gun Smuggling, VA 2023 · Florida
- Elvinn Pawnell, Gun Possession, IL 2016 · Illinois
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