A former Pasadena Police lieutenant has agreed to plead guilty to two federal felony offenses related to the illegal sale of more than 100 firearms over the course of three years.
Vasken Kenneth Gourdikian, 48, who resigned from the Pasadena Police Department in March after a 22-year career, has signed a plea agreement that was filed this morning in United States District Court.
Gourdikian agreed to plead guilty to engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
Gourdikian has agreed to appear before United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson on September 20 to formally enter guilty pleas to the two felony offenses.
From March 2014 through February 2017, Gourdikian sold at least 108 firearms without a license. Gourdikian used his official status as a police officer to purchase firearms that were not available to the general public, and then sold restricted firearms, known as “off roster” firearms, through third-party transfers to members of the public.
Gourdikian would often highlight the unique status of “off roster” firearms in order to solicit a buyer’s interest and to generate higher sale prices.
The false statement offense relates to an ATF “re-certification” form Gourdikian signed in 2014 when he took possession of a handgun. Gourdikian admitted in the plea agreement that he “misrepresented that he was the actual buyer of a firearm when, in fact, and as defendant then well knew, he was purchasing the firearm for another individual.”
Gourdikain further admitted that he “capitalized on his peace officer status” that allowed him to circumvent the usual 10-day waiting period and enabled him to purchase more than one handgun in a 30-day period.
“Mr. Gourdikian used his positon as a law enforcement officer to purchase firearms generally not available to the public so he could turn around and illegally sell them for profit,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “His actions clearly violated federal law and introduced unauthorized firearms into the community.
In the plea agreement, the government, in exchange for Gourdikian’s acceptance of responsibility and agreement to forfeit 68 firearms, has agreed to recommend a prison sentence of 30 months.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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