The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Harley Davis, 28, of Enosburg, Vermont, was charged with making false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers in connection with the purchase of three firearms in May 2022. Davis appeared in court yesterday before the Hon. Kevin J. Doyle, U.S. Magistrate Judge, and was detained pending further proceedings. If convicted, Davis faces a maximum possible penalty of 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
As set forth in the affidavit in support of the complaint, Davis allegedly purchased the firearms for individuals who had come to Vermont for the purpose of selling controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles represents the government. Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino was appointed to represent Ms. Davis.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn