California Man Indicted For Firearms Offenses

DOJ Press

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A California man made his initial court appearance today for allegedly making false statements in connection with the unlawful purchase of multiple firearms and selling the firearms without a license.

According to allegations contained in the indictment, from about May 13, 2020, to about August 17, 2021, Kenneth Earl Smith Jr. — 28, of Lancaster, California — engaged in dealing firearms without a firearms business license. During the purchase of 19 firearms at several Federal Firearms Licensees in Las Vegas, he made false statements on ATF Firearms Transactions Records (Form 4473). As alleged, Smith represented that he was the buyer of the firearms, when in fact he was acquiring the firearms on behalf of other persons. Smith likewise represented that he was a Nevada resident, when in fact he was a California resident.

Smith is charged with eight counts of illegal acquisition of a firearm and one count of engaging in the firearms business without a license. He was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts. A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on January 3, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. If convicted, Smith faces a statutory maximum penalty of 90 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Patrick Gorman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.


This case was investigated by ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig is prosecuting the case.


An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Anyone with information about the unlawful purchase of firearms can call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov, or submit information anonymously at www.reportit.com/.

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