CINCINNATI – A six-person Cincinnati ring has been indicted for a massive straw purchasing conspiracy, involving the illegal acquisition of firearms using stolen credit card information. The grand jury’s allegations detail an intricate scheme where the accused used pilfered card details to place orders online, with co-conspirators picking up the guns and falsifying federal purchase forms.
Those facing charges include Zachary Harris, 24; Rickvuion Scott, also known as “Cubb,” 25; Teague Jackson, 22; Edward Washington, 27; Montreal Williams*, 37; and Markendra Carter*, 35. Williams and Carter remain at large, prompting authorities to urge the public to report any sightings or information at 513-684-3354.
The indictment alleges that Harris and Scott were responsible for purchasing multiple firearms online with stolen credit card data. The conspirators would then claim the guns as their own during straw purchases at Range USA on Harrison Ave., despite not being the true buyers or intended recipients of the firearms.
According to the 10-count indictment, the conspiracy successfully obtained six pistols and one rifle through these illegal transactions. Harris, Scott, Jackson, and Washington appeared in federal court this week with the charges unsealed today.
Conspiring to make false statements during a firearm purchase carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Both making false statements during the purchase of a firearm and access device fraud are punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Aggravated identity theft is mandatory for two years. The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kenneth L. Parker, and ATF Special Agent in Charge Daryl S. McCormick are leading this investigation.
As always, an indictment contains only allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Related Federal Cases
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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