NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FEDERAL LAWYERS
How ATF Investigates Straw Purchases of Firearms
|Last Updated on: 21st September 2023, 12:07 am
How ATF Investigates Straw Purchases of Firearms
Hey there! The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) takes investigating straw purchases of firearms very seriously. A straw purchase is when someone who can pass a background check buys a gun for someone who can’t – like a felon or domestic abuser. This article will walk you through how ATF agents dig into these illegal firearm sales.
What Exactly is a Straw Purchase?
First, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what a straw purchase is. A straw purchase happens when Person A buys a firearm for Person B, but Person B is the one who actually keeps and uses the gun [6]. Person B might be prohibited from buying guns themselves because of a felony conviction, domestic violence restraining order, or other disqualifying factor. So they get Person A to buy it for them – that’s a straw purchase.
Straw purchasing is a big deal because it helps put firearms in the hands of dangerous people who aren’t allowed to have them. ATF agents take stopping these sales very seriously.
How Do ATF Agents Spot Straw Purchases?
ATF agents use a bunch of different techniques to identify straw purchases. Here are some of the main ones:
- Reviewing Firearms Transaction Records: Anytime someone buys a gun from a licensed dealer, they have to fill out a Form 4473 with their personal information. ATF agents look for any red flags in these records, like someone buying multiple guns in a short period of time.
- Talking to Gun Store Owners: Local ATF field agents build relationships with gun dealers in their area. The dealers will often contact ATF if they suspect a buyer is making a straw purchase.
- Monitoring Classified Ads: Agents look for patterns, like the same person selling multiple guns over a short period. This can indicate they’re buying guns and quickly re-selling them.
- Running Sting Operations: ATF sets up controlled sting purchases where agents pose as straw buyers. This helps them gather solid evidence of illegal sales.
ATF agents use their insider expertise to spot signs of straw purchasing. But they also rely on tips from the public. Responsible gun owners can report suspicious activity to help ATF stop illegal sales.
What Penalties Do Straw Purchasers Face?
Under the law, straw purchases are a big-time offense. Let’s look at some of the possible penalties for lying on Form 4473 or buying guns for prohibited persons:
- Up to 10 years in federal prison for each straw purchase [3]
- Fines up to $250,000 for each violation
- Up to 25 years if the illegally purchased gun is used in a violent crime or terrorism [4]
As you can see, straw purchasing is not taken lightly. Lying on federal firearm forms or supplying guns to prohibited buyers can result in serious jail time.
Real-World Examples of ATF Straw Purchase Cases
To make things more clear, let’s look at a few real-world examples of how ATF agents have busted straw purchasers:
Ohio Father and Son
In April 2022, a father and son in Dayton, Ohio were charged with buying firearms through straw purchases. The pair admitted that the son filled out ATF forms and underwent background checks to buy pistols from licensed dealers. But when the guns were delivered, the father was the one who actually kept and used them. Lying on the ATF forms made these straw purchases.
Chicago Gun Trafficking Ring
ATF busted a large-scale gun trafficking ring in Chicago in May 2022. Three individuals admitted to buying at least 17 guns on behalf of a convicted felon. The straw purchasers bought firearms in Indiana and brought them back to Chicago to sell to gang members. Several of the trafficked guns were later recovered at crime scenes.
Stolen Credit Card Scheme
In April 2022, ATF charged 10 defendants in Pennsylvania for an elaborate straw purchasing conspiracy. The defendants allegedly used stolen credit cards to buy firearms online. They then picked up the guns from dealers and resold them illegally. ATF seized over 70 firearms linked to the scheme.
These cases show the creative ways criminals try to beat the system and arm dangerous individuals. But they also demonstrate ATF’s commitment to stopping illegal sales – no matter how sophisticated the plot.
The Bottom Line
Straw purchasing allows guns to end up in the wrong hands and fuels violence in our communities. But through solid investigative work, stings, and partnerships with gun dealers, ATF agents are able to disrupt many of these illegal sales.
Responsible gun owners can do their part by speaking up if they suspect a straw purchase. And straw buyers should think twice – ATF takes these cases very seriously, and you could end up serving hard time.
Thanks for learning more about how ATF combats straw purchases. This illegal activity puts lives at risk. But with public vigilance and ATF’s expert enforcement, we can help keep our neighborhoods safe.