Thomas Evans Kelly, Firearms Straw Purchaser, North Carolina 2022

A Charlotte man who helped two individuals obtain firearms through straw purchasing has been sentenced to prison, according to a recent announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina.

Thomas Evans Kelly, 29, was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in purchasing three firearms for Walter Jackson and Jalen Jackson in August 2019. Kelly made false statements to the firearms dealer and filed false police reports, claiming the firearms were stolen.

According to court records, Kelly purchased the firearms from a licensed dealer in Charlotte and then transferred them to the two individuals. Law enforcement later seized eight firearms that were originally purchased by Kelly during the commission of crimes committed by Walter and Jalen Jackson.

Walter Jackson previously pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was sentenced to 90 months in prison. Jalen Jackson was sentenced to 72 months in prison after pleading guilty to dealing in firearms without a license and transfer of a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act.

The ATF led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Lindahl was in charge of the prosecution. Kelly is currently out on bond and will report to the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence upon designation of a federal facility.

This case highlights the importance of preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands. Straw purchasing is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina will continue to work with law enforcement to combat firearms trafficking and keep our communities safe.

Defendant: Thomas Evans Kelly

Criminal Charges: Straw purchasing a firearm for another individual

City and State: Charlotte, North Carolina

Exact Date: August 2019

Sentence or Outcome: Two years in prison, two years under court supervision after release

This article will continue to update as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/firearms-straw-purchaser-sentenced-prison