Rylan Peterson, Conspiring to Make False Statements, New York 2024

ALBANY, N.Y. – A 22-year-old former Marine, Rylan Peterson of Kingston, New York, confessed Wednesday to a conspiracy that saw firearms illegally funneled out of state. Peterson pleaded guilty to conspiring to make false statements to obtain the weapons – a practice known as “straw purchasing” – and then unlawfully transferring them to a resident outside of New York.

The scheme, according to federal prosecutors, involved Peterson entering into an agreement with Oryn McLeod to acquire six semi-automatic handguns. While stationed as a private first class at a Marine base in North Carolina, Peterson obtained the guns through Mitchell Locke, a North Carolina resident who falsely claimed to be the ultimate buyer when purchasing them from a licensed dealer. Peterson was paid by McLeod for his role in the operation and personally transported the firearms from North Carolina to New York.

This wasn’t a victimless crime. McLeod was later arrested for illegally possessing two of the handguns supplied by Peterson. The case highlights a dangerous pattern of individuals exploiting legal loopholes to arm potentially dangerous actors. Authorities haven’t revealed McLeod’s intended use for the weapons, but the implications are chilling.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Kingston Police Department. John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s New York Field Division, and U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman announced the guilty plea, signaling a crackdown on firearms trafficking in the region. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin C. Segovia and Emmet O’Hanlon are leading the prosecution.

Peterson now faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence. He is scheduled to appear before Senior U.S. District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn on July 10th, where he could receive up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and five years of supervised release. The final sentence will be determined by Judge Kahn, taking into account federal sentencing guidelines and other relevant factors.

This prosecution is being pursued under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first federal law specifically targeting the illegal trafficking and straw purchasing of firearms. Meanwhile, Mitchell Locke, the man who allegedly purchased the firearms under false pretenses, is still pending trial on the same charge. He maintains his innocence, and the presumption of innocence applies until proven guilty. McLeod has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false representations in connection with the firearm purchases.

Related Federal Cases