March 23, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns from a dealer at Bob and Roccos Gun Show in Onalaska, Wisc. In all, the agency logged 2,420 firearms in 2016, a rate of 407 per 100,000 people. 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. Assembly Bill 524 and its counterpart, Senate Bill 408, were introduced in August by state Rep. Joe Sanfelippo, R-New Berlin, and Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills. A small number of states also penalize the actual buyer in straw purchases. According to Kyle The Answer to this is no. of Justice: Merrill woman sentenced to prison for making false statements during purchase of firearms. 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. Generally, secretly purchasing a gun on someone else's behalf from a gun dealer, called a straw purchase, is illegal. This prison term will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Reports of thefts to police are much lower: they totalled about 240,000 in 2016, according to the FBI's National Crime Information Center, which derives its figures from data provided by local law enforcement. The offense is known as a 'straw purchase.' The person that Zastrow bought the firearms for was a convicted felon. 219 S. Dearborn St., 5th Floor This case is the latest example of the daily work police officers, federal agents and United States Attorneys are doing to safeguard communities and create a culture of accountability for gun offenders.. May 17, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns at Holmen Pawn Shop in Holmen, Wisc. Of the over 140 firearms trafficked by Jones and his co-conspirators between early 2020 and mid-2021, approximately 45 were recovered at crime scenes primarily in Philadelphia. April 13, 2018: Valentine purchased a handgun at Big Rooster Firearms in Sparta, Wisc. Prosecutors had said they wanted Jamel Danzy held in custody, and a detention hearing had been set for Wednesday. Rittenhouse was also charged with reckless endangerment of two additional men. . Section 18 U.S.C. For instance, if a father were to buy his son a firearm and didn't plan on being the owner and primary user of the weapon himself, it would qualify as a straw purchase. 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. The governor and Lane are supporting House Bill 306. In sentencing the 32-year-old, Judge 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. as well as other partner offers and accept our. 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. Each count of the indictment is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison. WisPolitics.com DC breakfast with U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, WisPolitics luncheon with Marquette University Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin. 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. Tips For Preventing Firearm Straw Purchases. Straw Purchase Law and Legal Definition. 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.". The prison term will be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. The Khindri brothers who own the dealership denied this under oath, but multiple other witnesses testified against them, backing Rittenhouse's version. 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. Danzy, 29, is the alleged "straw purchaser" of the weapon that was used to fatally shoot Officer French and seriously wound her partner, who had. There are two federal statutes under which straw purchases are usually prosecuted: 18 U.S.C. I ask myself that question every day," she told the outlet. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. of Justice: Merrill woman sentenced to prison for making false statements during purchase of firearms, WisPolitics luncheon with Gov. 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. K-Mart Classics: Remingtons Nylon Rimfires Engineered To Last. The charge against Zastrow was the result of an investigation conducted by the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office, Merrill Police Department, andFederal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Marshfield Police Department. 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. NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. Have a question about Government Services? In reality, Valentine was a straw purchaser who knowingly bought the guns at the direction of FRANCISCO ROCHA, a Chicago resident who identified which firearms he wanted and paid Valentine a premium over the list prices, the indictment states. This is illegal. Dept. The person that Zastrow bought the firearms for was a convicted felon. Prosecutors said Black bought the gun for Rittenhouse in what is known as a straw purchase. 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. This person was unable to legally possess a gun because of a previous felony conviction. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment that day in federal court in Chicago before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez. Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children. To complete the purchase,she represented that she was the actual buyer of these firearms when in fact she was not. Straw purchasing is when someone buys a gun for another person who isn't legally allowed to own one, such as felons. In general, straw purchases are legal except in cases where the ultimate receiver of goods or services uses those . Firearms dont get much more iconic than John Moses Brownings legendary Auto-5 semi-auto shotgun, affectionately called the Humpback for its distinctive drop at the rear of the receiver. The firearms in question were used by Tanner Graap. There was a problem saving your notification. 941.2905 Straw purchasing of firearms. The new law makes it a Class H felony in the state to purchase a gun with the intent to give it to someone prohibited from possessing a firearm or to act as a human holster by holding a weapon for a criminal. The gun . The Nylon 66, a relatively inexpensive rimfire with faux woodgrain, was the first successful synthetic-stock firearm. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. The indictment was returned Aug. 1, 2019, and ordered unsealed Wednesday. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Wednesday filed a civil lawsuit against Wisconsin-based retailer Fleet Farm for allegedly selling guns to straw purchasers, including a man who. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. Texas Gun Sense info@txgunsense.org PO Box 92722, Austin, TX 78709-2722 (512) 903-4186 The two reportedly agreed that Black would keep the gun until Rittenhouse turned 18 in January 2021, according to court testimony. A locked padlock 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. Here is the reason. Learn how you can help drug endangered children. 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. without the transfer creating a "straw purchase". Law enforcement agents call people who buy guns for those who aren't legally . 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. 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. Smith & Wesson Model 586: Reviewing A .357 Revolver With Class. 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. There was an error processing your request. The person purchase on behalf of other when the other person is unable to purchase the item or service themselves is not considered as an illegal act. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The barrels under 16 inches should've only applied to 18 year old+ who were legally allowed to carry. 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. . We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! In sentencing Zastrow, Judge 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. In Wisconsin it's illegal for any one under 18 to have any kind of dangerous weapon. was on the University of Wisconsin Pistol Team for four . But Rittenhouse has never publicly identified as a member of any extremist group. A straw purchase is when you purchase a firearm at the behest of another person. This crime is being prosecuted more vigorously as of late, and comes with a potential for a very long prison sentence. It is legal to purchase a firearm as a gift for another, if you are actually buying the firearm for . 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. 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. 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. Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect. Some other states have looser regulations that prohibit individuals from knowingly encouraging sellers to conduct those illegal firearm transfers, according to the group. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives provided assistance. WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW) -- A Wausau woman has been charged with making a false statement while purchasing firearms, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. 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. Classic Browning Light Twelve Auto-5 Review: Busting Clays With the Old Humpback Shotgun. The jury's verdict in the case, handed down on October 13, 2015, found that a gun shop employee acted negligentlyand . The recent decision against a Milwaukee gun store in the shooting of two Milwaukee police officers has brought the issue of straw purchases of firearms to the forefront. 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. 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. Rittenhouse testified that he and Black went downtown because they were invited to guard the Car Source, a Kenosha car dealership, during the unrest and were under the impression they were going to be paid. You are the original buyer, yet you have no intent to own the gun. This prison term will . "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. NSSF employee Michael Bazinet spends a lot of time focusing on the "Don't Lie . Graap allegedly used one of those firearms to fatally shoot and kill Kayla Frank. Tell us what you think about the songs we play! "This is part of a longstanding and deadly pattern in Chicago of straw . A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Error! Firearm Gifts Legal Considerations . 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. During the investigation, law enforcement utilized ATFs National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. Perhaps the most persistent myth surrounding the case is the idea that Rittenhouse, then 17, brought an AR-15 across state lines. 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. Circumstantial vs. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Departments program to reduce violent crime. Court documents showed the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle was purchased by Black on May 1 at Ladysmith Ace . 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. 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. Rockford: (815) 987-4444. The prosecution argued as such. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Thats why tougher laws on straw purchases are a priority for gun control groups. First, contrary to what most people think, no Federal Law prohibits you from buying a gun as a gift for someone else. 327 S. Church Street, Room 3300 There was a problem saving your notification. If you were arrested or charged with a crime in connection to an alleged straw purchase, we can help. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Licensed dealers also are required under federal law to maintain records on their gun sales and make them available to law enforcement for inspection. 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. 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. Graap will next be in court again on May 8th at 11 a.m. for a Motion hearing. Giving someone a firearm carries a certain level of legal responsibility that does not come with gifting iPads or socks. Black said he used Rittenhouse's . 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. I have no answer. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. A 2015 survey of gun owners conducted by researchers at Harvard and Northeastern universities estimated that as many as 380,000 weapons are lost or stolen each year. The campaign was designed to prevent and discourage illegal straw purchases. Gaige Grosskreutz, a then-27-year-old EMT who survived being shot by Rittenhouse, testified during the trial, telling the jury that he frequently attended demonstrations as a volunteer medic and chose not to affiliate with any particular side. People 18 years of age and older are eligible to purchase long guns, while handguns are only eligible to be purchased by those of the age 21 years and older. 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 for someone who does not want their name associated with the transaction. 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 weapon Rittenhouse used to shoot the three men was obtained in what many would consider a "straw purchase" arms sale. In states where there is no specific law prohibiting a straw purchase, the federal law will apply. 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. He said he had gone downtown the night of August 25, 2020 and dozens of other nights that summer to provide medical aid to anyone in need, regardless of political affiliation. 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. When transferring or purchasing a firearm, individuals must complete an ATF Form 4473. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. "We are doubling down on our efforts across the DMV to prosecute any and all straw purchasing cases. 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. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. The charges Zastrow faced stemmed from one of the guns she purchased was used in a homicide. Federally licensed firearm dealers are required to perform background checks for those seeking to buy a firearm. Get Guns.com offers and news!! 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. The two reportedly agreed that Black would keep the gun until Rittenhouse turned 18 in January 2021, according to court testimony. Remington's Nylon 66 semi-automatic .22 LR rifles have grown from 1950s bargain buys to 21st century collectors darlings. 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. Court documents allege Rittenhouse retrieved the gun from Black's stepfather's house in Kenosha on Aug. 25, 2020, and that Rittenhouse and Black went together, armed, to protests in downtown . The statement signed by 10 Senate Republicans indicates the legislation has a good chance of avoiding a legislative filibuster, the 60-vote threshold required for most bills. A straw purchase is an illegal firearm purchase where the actual buyer of the gun, being unable to pass the required federal background check or desiring to not have his or her name associated with the transaction, uses a proxy buyer who can pass the required background check to purchase the firearm for him/her. 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. A "straw" purchase is a firearm purchase when one person buys the firearm with the intent of giving the gun to another person for their primary use. Every cowboy needs a revolver. On January 13, 2022, Zastrow purchased two firearms in Wisconsin Rapids. 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. If the end recipient is not disclosed to the gun dealer/seller, they cannot run the background check for the actual purchaser/owner. 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 This is not giving a gift. 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. MADISON, WIS. Timothy M. OShea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Ashley Zastrow, 32, Merrill, Wisconsinwas sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 1 year and 1 day in federal prison formaking false statements during the purchase of two firearms. 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. According to federal law, an individual convicted of a straw purchase may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, and may even be required to pay a fine of . An indictment. 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. Please call us today at (972) 369-0577 to schedule a . States such as Ohio, Nebraska, Oregon, and Delaware have individual straw purchase laws. 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. The Judge gave him the break of a lifetime by obfuscating two different statues. Everytown for Gun Safety and other gun control groups have called on Congress to strengthen laws governing gun trafficking and straw purchases. (2) The prohibition in sub. U.S. Attorney Lausch announced the charges along with Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI, and Eddie Johnson, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Judge William Conley said Ritchie knew he was purchasing guns for a known drug dealer, which warranted a prison sentence even though he has no prior sentences on his record. Straw purchasing firearms is not a victimless crime, said FBI Assistant SAC Larry L. Lapp. 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. Scott Walker on Wednesday approved a measure touted as making it easier to prosecute illegal straw purchasing of firearms in the state. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The bill, SB 408, was among 41 signed by. CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Wisconsin man is charged with providing the gun to teenager Kyle Rittenhouse who then allegedly killed two men during the unrest in late August. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus prosecuted this case. Wisconsin Gov. 922(d) if the seller knew or had reason to know that the person buying the gun is a criminal or otherwise prohibited buyer. Wisconsin Gov. (Photo: Walkers office). 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. In order to complete the purchase of these firearms, she represented that she was the actual buyer of these firearms when in fact she was not. A straw purchase is one in which one Person "A" buys a firearm for Person "B", at Person "B's" request. Attorneys Albert Berry III and Elizabeth Pozolo. He was ordered released on bond, and a status hearing was scheduled for Sept. 17, 2019, before U.S. District Judge John Z. Lee. 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. Authorities argued that arming prosecutors with the ability to go after those obtaining or holding firearms for those who are legally barred from having them will help cut down on gun crime in the city. But a GOP aide involved in the negotiations told The Hill on Sunday that the deal is an agreement on principles, not legislative text and that some of the principles could be dropped if lawmakers do not agree to a final text. Pennington will be sentenced for his role in the incident (one count of distributing meth) next January. Lock At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, our top-rated Collin County criminal lawyers have extensive experience handling federal firearms cases.