In states where there is no specific law prohibiting a straw purchase, the federal law will apply. Wisconsin resident KIRK VALENTINE purchased the firearms at retail stores, pawn shops and gun shows, and falsely certified on required forms that he was the actual buyer, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Your intent is to act as the agent. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Federally licensed firearm dealers are required to perform background checks for those seeking to buy a firearm. Good luck with that. Contact Us About Straw Purchases in Texas. "Straw purchasing a firearm is a federal crime with serious consequences," said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Gun Shows. MADISON, Wis. (WAOW) A 32-year-old Merrill woman was sentenced to 1, year, 1-day in federal prison on Friday formaking false statements during the purchase of two firearms. Similarly, those acting as a human holster for a criminal would be subject to a felony. A straw purchase, as defined by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, involves someone who purchases a gun for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one or. firearms dealer can deliver the firearm to the purchaser. March 23, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns from a dealer at Bob and Roccos Gun Show in Onalaska, Wisc. You have permission to edit this article. April 13, 2018: Valentine purchased a handgun at Big Rooster Firearms in Sparta, Wisc. Epic 22 Pocket Pistol: The Beretta 71 Jaguar. Who Is Liable When a Person Is Hit by a Car in Front of a Store? This offense is known as a straw purchase. The person Zastrow provided the firearms is prohibited by law from possessing firearms as a result of previous felony convictions and allegedly used one of the firearms purchased by Zastrow to commit a homicide. In general, straw purchases are legal except in cases where the ultimate receiver of goods or services uses those . Scott Walker on Wednesday approved a measure touted as making it easier to prosecute illegal straw purchasing of firearms in the state. The judge noted that the prosecution did not find any evidence of his affiliation with a white supremacist group in phone records or social media history, and as Michelle Mark previously reported, ruled the trip to the bar was not relevant to the 2020 shooting. A straw purchase or nominee purchase is any purchase wherein an agent agrees to acquire a good or service for someone who is often unable or unwilling to purchase the good or service themselves, and the agent transfers the goods or services to that person after purchasing them. The jury's verdict in the case, handed down on October 13, 2015, found that a gun shop employee acted negligentlyand . We are tired of t. This is not giving a gift. Stay in the know. A "Kenosha Guard" militia group on Facebook did issue a "call to arms" ahead of the violenceon August 25. MADISON, WI (WSAU) A Schofield man will serve two years in federal prison for making false statements to secure the purchase of a firearm for another man. 219 S. Dearborn St., 5th Floor Straw purchasers and firearm traffickers enable unlawful possession of guns and the violence that may follow, said John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. Generally, secretly purchasing a gun on someone else's behalf from a gun dealer, called a straw purchase, is illegal. Wisconsin law makes it a crime to provide false information to a gun dealer with the intent to purchase a firearm and then transfer it to a person prohibited from obtaining one. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. Rockford, IL 61101, Chicago: (312) 353-5300 This prison term will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Purchasing firearms for people prohibited from owning them, commonly known as straw purchases, would be a felony in Wisconsin if a newly introduced bill is passed into law. Rosenbaum was seen in a number of videos not protesting but causing destruction, setting fires, tipping over a Porta Potty, wielding a chain, and at one point even shouting the N-word. A Wisconsin jury fully acquitted Kyle Rittenhouse on Friday, finding him not guilty on five counts. Dept. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In all, the agency logged 2,420 firearms in 2016, a rate of 407 per 100,000 people. The weapon Rittenhouse used to shoot the three men was obtained in what many would consider a "straw purchase" arms sale. Dominick Black, who purchased the AR-15 rifle carried and used by Kyle Rittenhouse during the protests in Kenosha last August, could walk out of court a free man later today without any criminal. Have a question about Government Services? In the lawsuit, Ellison ask for "strengthened oversight of Fleet Farm's operations and increased training to prevent sales of guns to straw purchasers." The attorney general also wants Fleet Farm . The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. ROCKFORD A federal judge has sentenced a Rockford man to five years and four months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm in Rockford, to be followed by ROCKFORD A former inmate of the United States Penitentiary in Thomson, Ill. was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison for assaulting a federal correctional officer. Federal law criminalizes making false statements about a material fact on ATF forms and criminalizes presenting false identification when purchasing a firearm. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. Learn how you can help drug endangered children. Ritchie will also serve extended supervision after his release. A judge ordered the release Wednesday of the Indiana man charged by the feds with acting as the so-called straw purchaser of the gun that killed Chicago Police Officer Ella French and drew the ire of the city's top cop. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Urban Health that screened 149 licensed retailers in California found roughly 1 in 5 agreed to participate in a straw purchase of a handgun. Scott Walker on Wednesday approved a measure touted as making it easier to prosecute illegal straw purchasing of firearms in the state. This prison term will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Thats why tougher laws on straw purchases are a priority for gun control groups. A straw purchase, as defined by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, involves someone who purchases a gun for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one or. The offense is known as a 'straw purchase.' The criminal case against the 19-year-old who allegedly made the straw purchase that provided Kyle Rittenhouse his gun has been put on . The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Valentine, 23, of La Crosse, Wisc., and Rocha, 28, are charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license, and unlawfully dealing and importing firearms. "This is part of a longstanding and deadly pattern in Chicago of straw . MADISON, WIS. - Timothy M. O'Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Ashley Zastrow, 32, Merrill, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 1 year and 1 day in federal prison for making false statements during the purchase of two firearms. But during his trial, Rittenhouse testified in court that he drove himself from his home in Illinois to Kenosha on August 24, 2020, the day before he fatally shot two men. Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. The campaign was designed to prevent and discourage illegal straw purchases. Seven states have laws that penalize sellers who transfer firearms to traffickers under certain circumstances, according to Giffords, a gun violence advocacy group. Call us at 414-271-1440 or send us an e-mail today to discuss your case. A straw purchase is one in which one Person "A" buys a firearm for Person "B", at Person "B's" request. 924(a)(1)(A) imposes fines and possible prison sentences against any person who knowingly makes a false statement regarding any of the information required by federal firearms law. A straw purchaser can be identified as a person with a clean background who purchases firearms specifically on behalf of a person prohibited from purchasing a firearm because that prohibited person is a convicted felon, domestic violence misdemeanant, juvenile, an individual who has been adjudicated mentally ill or one who is prohibited for other Rocha was ordered to remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Sept. 10, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. Valentine self-surrendered to the Court on Aug. 5, 2019. Walker signed the measure bumping up the penalty for an illegal straw purchase of a gun under Wisconsin law from nine months to six years in prison. CHICAGO A Chicago resident has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for setting fire to the Boost Mobile Store Eastern Division May 13, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns at Ace Hardware in La Crosse, Wisc. Rittenhouse and his friend, Dominick Black, testified that Black, who was 18 at the time, used Rittenhouse's money to purchase the weapon at a Wisconsin hardware store in May 2020. Johnson. Gun control groups have long called attention to the impact on gun violence of straw purchases, a term with which many may be unfamiliar. "Why was he there? "In sentencing Zastrow, U.S. District Judge William M. Conley stated that she made a disastrous choice to transfer firearms to a prohibited person and could not ignore the fact that this choice contributed to a womans death. The motives of Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, were less clear that night. The governor and Lane are supporting House Bill 306. It is legal to purchase a firearm as a gift for another, since you are actually buying the firearm for yourself to gift to another. Commercial Contract Review, Drafting, and Negotiation, Employment Contracts and Non-Compete Agreements, Data Breaches / Cybersecurity Civil Defense, Identity Theft / Internet Fraud Charges Defense, Governmental Licensing, Compliance and Administrative Review, Professional Licensing and Disciplinary Defense. Project Safe Neighborhoodsis a nationwide initiativeto reduce gun violence and violent crime in neighborhoods across the country. A Cold War era classic with smooth lines, a legendary back story, and an exotic-sounding name, Beretta's Model 71 was definitely a mouse that roared. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! Anthony Huber's girlfriend told the New York Post that she and Huber, 26, were protesting that night. The teenager pleaded not guilty to all five counts and testified that he acted in self-defense, saying the men he shot were attacking him. The two reportedly agreed that Black would keep the gun until Rittenhouse turned 18 in January 2021, according to court testimony. May 17, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns at Holmen Pawn Shop in Holmen, Wisc. -1 23 more replies MenaFWM 1 yr. ago Rittenhouse's defense attorneys characterized Rosenbaum as a "rioter," and even the lead prosecutor said in his closing statement he would have prosecuted Rosenbaum for arson had he not been fatally shot. Here is the reason. One thing is clear; whether you face federal charges or state charges, being accused of making a straw purchase can carry lengthy prison sentences and result in a felony conviction with substantial fines. 20 Colorado for Pac-12 title berth, Olympic ticket sales for Paris Games gets off to rocky start. Rittenhouse lived about 20 minutes outside of Kenosha, in Antioch, Illinois. Who Can Be Held Liable for Winter Truck Accidents. There was an error processing your request. MADISON, WIS. Timothy M. OShea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Ashley Zastrow, 32, Merrill, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 1 year and 1 day in federal prison for making false statements during the purchase of two firearms. of Justice: Merrill woman sentenced to prison for making false statements during purchase of firearms, WisPolitics luncheon with Gov. First Criminal Conviction for Spoofing May Increas New Challenge to the Informing the Accused Form, Foiled Crimes: The Crime of Attempt in Wisconsin, Welfare Drug Testing and the Constitution. A small number of states also penalize the actual buyer in straw purchases. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, including by prosecuting individuals who illegally purchase firearms. Gifting vs Straw Purchasing. While straw buying is primarily prosecuted on the federal level, Wisconsin is not the first state to recently adopt their own statutes on the crime. But Rittenhouse has never publicly identified as a member of any extremist group. Since then, a number of straw buyers have faced a mandatory five-year minimum sentence under its guidelines. The case was brought forward through a multi-jurisdiction effort between law enforcement in Lincoln and Wood counties along with the FBI. The charges were the result of an investigation conducted by the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, Wisconsin DOJ- Division of Criminal Investigation, and the FBI. In the aftermath of Friday's verdict, a flurry of responses and reactions to the ruling restated longstanding myths and misinformation surrounding the trial and Rittenhouse's actions on August 25, 2020. MADISON, WI (WSAU) A Schofield man will serve two years in federal prison for making false statements to secure the purchase of a firearm for another man. The gun . This crime is being prosecuted more vigorously as of late, and comes with a potential for a very long prison sentence. A straw purchase occurs when somebody purchases a firearm for another person while pretending to purchase it for personal use. The prison term will be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Judge Conley also reasoned that a prison sentence was warranted given the defendants poor performance on pre-trial release and nominal efforts to confront her methamphetamine addiction. Wisconsin Gov. Section 941.2905 - Straw purchasing of firearms (1) Whoever intentionally furnishes, purchases, or possesses a firearm for a person, knowing that the person is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 941.29 (1m), is guilty of a Class G felony. 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The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives provided assistance. An investigation by law enforcement revealed that she purchased these firearms for an individual who accompanied her to the store and provided her with cash at the time of purchase. Ashley Zastrow, 32, purchased two firearms in Wisconsin Rapids on Jan. 13, 2022. without the transfer creating a "straw purchase". According to a press release form the Western District of Wisconsin U.S. Department of Justice: An investigation by law enforcement revealed that Zastrow purchased these firearms for someone who accompanied her to the store and provided her with cash at the time of purchase. But those background checks and records involve the purchaser of the firearm and not always the ultimate user of the gun. Some other states have looser regulations that prohibit individuals from knowingly encouraging sellers to conduct those illegal firearm transfers, according to the group. Each count of the indictment is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Blake family, falsely described Rittenhouse on Friday as a "self-declared white nationalist." This is not John Waynes revolver it is a modern work of art! But as Rittenhouse testified, the teenager drove himself to Kenosha ahead of the protests. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. With no legislative text, the specifics of a crackdown on straw purchases remain unclear. After providing personal information, question 21 - made up of 11 "yes" or "no" sub-questions - begins by asking "Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm (s) listed on this form . When I dress Western, nothing beats the classic good looks of my Smith & Wesson (S&W) 586 .357 revolver. Straw Purchase Law and Legal Definition. Straw purchases of firearms are also violations of federal law, and under both state and federal law, it is a felony that carries the potential for a long prison term. When a bipartisan group of 20 senators announced a framework deal for gun-related legislation on Sunday, it said one point of the nine-pronged proposal cracks down on people who illegally straw purchase and traffic guns. Editor's note: This story has been corrected to make clear in graf 18 that Jacob Blake was shot and he survived. Graap allegedly used one of those firearms to fatally shoot and kill Kayla Frank. During the investigation, law enforcement utilized ATFs National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus prosecuted this case. Firearm Gifts Legal Considerations . Top Ukrainian intelligence official: Russia will run out of military Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. FOND DU LAC, Wis. - Attorney General Josh Kaul today announced that criminal charges have been filed against Denell Logan for first degree intentional homicide, felon in passion of a firearm, repeater, and possession of THC, repeater. The firearms in question were used by Tanner Graap. Merrill woman sentenced for making false statements while purchasing firearms, Liverpool and United call on fans to stop 'tragedy chanting', Rangers, Bruins among winners at close of NHL trade deadline, Skier Shiffrin's quest for 86th win extended after downhill, Jin Young Ko leads by 2 after 3rd round at LPGA Singapore, Western Illinois plays in Summit Tournament against the St. Thomas, Washington St. stuns No. (1) Whoever intentionally furnishes, purchases, or possesses a firearm for a person, knowing that the person is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 941.29 (1m), is guilty of a Class G felony. Graap is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and two counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety. Wisconsin resident KIRK VALENTINE purchased the firearms at retail stores, pawn shops and gun shows, and falsely certified on required forms that he was the actual buyer, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Section 18 U.S.C. An investigation by law enforcement revealed that she purchased these firearms for an individual who accompanied her to the store and provided her with cash at the time of purchase. While this was a misdemeanor charge for a very long time, in 2010 the Wisconsin legislature voted to make straw purchases a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. In Wisconsin it's illegal for any one under 18 to have any kind of dangerous weapon. This offense is known as a straw purchase. The person Zastrow provided the firearms is prohibited by law from possessing firearms as a result of previous felony convictions and allegedly used one of the firearms purchased by Zastrow to commit a homicide. He was ordered released on bond, and a status hearing was scheduled for Sept. 17, 2019, before U.S. District Judge John Z. Lee. He pleaded not guilty Wednesday during his arraignment in federal court in Chicago before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes. The offense is known as a 'straw purchase.' The person that Zastrow bought the firearms for was a convicted felon. A lock ( gun for an acquaintance in Chicago who was unable to buy a firearm himself due to a past felony conviction for theft in Wisconsin. This indictment demonstrates the FBIs commitment to working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to help stop the flow of illegal guns into our neighborhoods., We are going to continue to use the full weight of the Chicago Police Department and U.S. Justice Department to send a clear message that we will not tolerate the proliferation and use of illegal guns in Chicago, said CPD Supt. Sean Krajacic/The Kenosha News via AP, Pool, NOW WATCH: VIDEO: Kyle Rittenhouse breaks down crying at his homicide trial, threw out a count of possession of a dangerous weapon, Rosenbaum had been released from a hospital, did issue a "call to arms" ahead of the violence, Rittenhouse went to a bar in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. This offense is known as a straw purchase. The person Zastrow provided the firearms is prohibited by law from possessing firearms as a result of previous felony convictions and allegedly used one of the firearms purchased by Zastrow to commit a homicide. State laws punishing straw purchases vary. Video of 17-year-old Kyle. Black said he used Rittenhouse's . How Old Do You Have to be to Buy a Gun in Wisconsin? A straw purchase is when you purchase a firearm at the behest of another person. His legal team said Rittenhouse did not know who the men were or what group they were affiliated with and was unfamiliar with the hand symbol's meaning. The campaign aims to not only provide better education for firearms retailers, but also to make the general public aware of the laws and penalties associated with making a straw purchase. MADISON, WI (WSAU) A Merrill woman has been sentenced for making false statements to secure the purchase of two firearms, a practice known as a straw purchase. Straw purchasing firearms is not a victimless crime, said FBI Assistant SAC Larry L. Lapp. That person also allegedly used one of the firearms purchased by Zastrow to commit a homicide. Kyle Ritchie was found guilty of buying four guns from a licensed dealer in Wausau last year by representing himself as the actual buyer. Smith & Wesson Model 586: Reviewing A .357 Revolver With Class. Black is now being prosecuted for participating in the illegal straw purchase of the weapon on behalf of Rittenhouse. MADISON (WJFW) - A Merrill woman was sentenced on Thursday to one year and one day in prison for making false statements during the purchase of two firearms. . In order to complete the purchase of the firearms, she represented that she was the actual buyer of these firearms when she was not. May 19, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns from a dealer at Bob and Roccos Gun Show in Onalaska, Wisc. Circumstantial vs. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. (Photo: Walkers office). Judge Conley also reasoned that a prison sentence was warranted given the defendants poor performance on pre-trial release and nominal efforts to confront her methamphetamine addiction. Licensed dealers also are required under federal law to maintain records on their gun sales and make them available to law enforcement for inspection. Error! According to Kenoshanews. Court documents showed the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle was purchased by Black on May 1 at Ladysmith Ace . Ashley Zastrow will serve one year and one day in federal prison for presenting herself as the buyer of the handguns when in fact she was not. An indictment. A popular rumor that spread following the August 2020 shootings was the idea that Rittenhouse's mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, drove her teenaged son to the protests. However, you should beware of what is known as a straw purchase, which is illegal. 922(d) if the seller knew or had reason to know that the person buying the gun is a criminal or otherwise prohibited buyer. Walker signs bill upping penalties on straw purchases in Wisconsin. Chicago, a much larger city but with similarly high murder rate, recovered 247 guns per 100,000 people. Rosenbaum's fiance told The Washington Post in 2020 that he wasn't there as a rioter or a looter. Need Help?service@guns.comCall (866)582-4867, PO Box 1131 13800 Nicollet Blvd Burnsville, MN 55337 2023Guns.com. Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect. This is known as a "straw purchase" and is a crime. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. It is a bill that would prohibit so-called "straw purchases" of firearms; it would make this practice a fourth-degree felony in New Mexico, according to a press release from the governor's office. The charge against Zastrow was the result of an investigation conducted bythe Lincoln County Sheriffs Office, Merrill Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Marshfield Police Department. Ashley Zastrow will serve one year and one day in federal prison for presenting herself as the buyer of the handguns when in fact she was not. Earlier this week, Judge Bruce Schroeder threw out a count of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18 after Rittenhouse's defense argued the rifle was not short-barreled, capitalizing on an exception to the Wisconsin statute involving the barrel length of a gun. An investigation by law enforcement revealed that she purchased the firearms from an individual who accompanied her to the store and provided her with cash at the time of the purchase. Nov. 10, 2021. But Rittenhouse's possession of the firearm at the time was technically legal. The agreement follows days of closed-door talks after a string of high-profile mass shootings, including at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and a supermarket in Buffalo, N.Y. Wisconsin Gov. MADISON, WIS. - Timothy M. O'Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Ashley Zastrow, 32, Merrill, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 1 year and 1 day in federal prison for making false statements during the purchase of two firearms. Even if gun dealers dont end up following through on the transaction, a survey of a random sample of 1,601 licensed dealers during the summer of 2011 found that more than two-thirds 67.3 percent had experienced attempted straw purchases.