Yesenia Ramos, Straw Purchases, Pennsylvania 2024

SCRANTON, PA – Yesenia Ramos, 44, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, has confessed to her role in a firearms trafficking scheme that flooded Monroe County with illegally obtained weapons. Ramos pleaded guilty May 5, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Julia K. Munley to conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the purchase of fifteen firearms between May 15, 2021, and June 14, 2022.

The scheme involved Ramos conspiring with Windall Mitchell, 34, of East Stroudsburg, to lie to federally licensed firearms dealers. The pair allegedly provided false information when purchasing the weapons from various dealers throughout Monroe County. The trail of these guns led north, however, when one of the fifteen firearms surfaced in the hands of an individual apprehended by police in New York City – triggering the ATF and Pennsylvania State Police investigation that ultimately unraveled the operation.

Mitchell already faced justice for his part in the conspiracy. On April 30, 2024, Judge Munley handed down a 30-month prison sentence to Mitchell. The feds are now awaiting sentencing for Ramos, who could face a maximum of five years behind bars, along with a period of supervised release and a hefty fine. The investigation highlights a persistent problem: individuals circumventing gun laws to arm criminals.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is leading the prosecution, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges. The case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative designed to combat violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities. The Department of Justice launched a renewed focus on PSN in May 2021, aiming to build trust, support violence prevention programs, and prioritize strategic enforcement.

Federal authorities are tight-lipped about the specific details of how Ramos and Mitchell obtained the firearms and their intended recipients. However, the fact that one of the weapons ended up in New York City suggests a potential interstate trafficking network. The ATF continues to investigate potential connections and trace the flow of these illegal firearms.

The sentencing for Ramos will be determined by Judge Munley, taking into account federal sentencing guidelines and the severity of the crime. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who attempt to skirt gun laws and fuel the illegal firearms market will face federal prosecution. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

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