LAS VEGAS – A California man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva to 63 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for making false statements in connection with the unlawful purchase of more than 50 firearms and selling the firearms without a license.
According to court documents, from about February 17, 2020, to about October 12, 2021, Kenneth Earl Smith Jr., of Lancaster, California, bought or attempted to buy more than 50 firearms in “straw purchases” from licensed firearms dealers in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Pahrump, Nevada. During each straw purchase, Smith deliberately made false statements to the firearms dealer 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. Further, Smith presented various fraudulently obtained driver’s licenses and a Concealed Firearm Permit to carry out those unlawful purchases. Smith sold more than 50 firearms he illegally purchased to other individuals. During this time, Smith was not licensed as a Federal Firearms Licensee.
Smith pleaded guilty in June 2023 to eight counts of illegal acquisition of a firearm and one count of engaging in the firearms business without a license.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
This case was investigated by ATF. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
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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