Related Federal Cases
- Two Foreign Nationals, ID Theft Scheme, Los Angeles CA, 2023 · Illinois
- Maurice L. Burks, Healthcare Fraud Scheme, East St. Louis IL, 2023 · Illinois
- Tanya Nichols, Tax Refund Scheme, MO, 2014 · Illinois
- Lisa Kaye Barwick-Majeski, Nigerian Fraud Scheme, MO, 2023 · Illinois
- Florida Couple Busted in $1.05M Bribery Scheme · Idaho
Chicago Woman Charged in Straw Purchase Scheme
A 28-year-old Chicago woman has been indicted on federal firearm charges for allegedly straw purchasing handguns in a Chicago suburb.
According to the indictment, DIAMOND SMITH purchased a total of seven handguns, including two semi-automatic pistols, from a licensed firearms dealer in Oak Forest, Ill., between 2019 and 2020. However, Smith falsely certified on federal forms that she was the actual buyer, when in reality she was purchasing the guns on behalf of another individual.
The indictment alleges that Smith made false statements on three occasions in connection with the acquisition of a firearm, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
“Straw purchasers too often play a grave role in enabling the unlawful possession of guns and the violence that can follow,” said U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch, Jr. “Our office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of guns to individuals who cannot legally purchase them.”
Smith, who is set to arraign today at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Young B. Kim, is also facing criticism from the ATF, who say that straw purchasing poses immense danger to the community. “When firearms are purchased on behalf of those who are prohibited from possessing them, it poses immense danger to the community,” said ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Kristen deTineo.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt, and Smith is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News