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. 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. In addition, the measure carries a mandatory minimum of four years in prison for repeat offenders involved in firearm-related crime if they are charged with three subsequent misdemeanors or one felony within a five-year period. 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. Classic Browning Light Twelve Auto-5 Review: Busting Clays With the Old Humpback Shotgun. 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. The case was brought forward through a multi-jurisdiction effort between law enforcement in Lincoln and Wood counties along with the FBI. 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. 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. 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. Federally licensed firearm dealers are required to perform background checks for those seeking to buy a firearm. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. Good luck with that. At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, our top-rated Collin County criminal lawyers have extensive experience handling federal firearms cases. How Old Do You Have to be to Buy a Gun in Wisconsin? There was a problem saving your notification. 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. A lock ( . A straw purchase typically involves one person buying a gun for someone else, usually because the other person cannot pass a background check or does not want a record of the purchase in their name. 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. 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. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Despite the federal prohibition and state-level legislation, many gun control advocates and experts say the illegal transactions still happen regularly. 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. Please call us today at (972) 369-0577 to schedule a . A Wisconsin jury fully acquitted Kyle Rittenhouse on Friday, finding him not guilty on five counts. But Rittenhouse's possession of the firearm at the time was technically legal. . The bill, SB 408, was among 41 signed by. Straw purchases are deemed a federal crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. 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. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Departments program to reduce violent crime. Walker signs bill upping penalties on straw purchases in Wisconsin. (2) The prohibition in sub. "We are doubling down on our efforts across the DMV to prosecute any and all straw purchasing cases. Criminals were very aware of these loopholes, said state Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills. Every cowboy needs a revolver. Law enforcement agents call people who buy guns for those who aren't legally . All Rights Reserved, Gov. 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. First things first, if you have reasonable cause to believe the person you're gifting a firearm to is prohibited from possessing . When I dress Western, nothing beats the classic good looks of my Smith & Wesson (S&W) 586 .357 revolver. 924(a)(1)(A). (Photo: Walkers office). A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The criminal case against the 19-year-old who allegedly made the straw purchase that provided Kyle Rittenhouse his gun has been put on . of Justice: Merrill woman sentenced to prison for making false statements during purchase of firearms, WisPolitics luncheon with Gov. The bill, SB 408, was among 41 signed by the Republican without comment this week. During the legislative process for SB 408, law enforcement representatives from Wisconsins largest city testified to lawmakers that officers in Milwaukee recovered more guns per capita than in Chicago. Everytown for Gun Safety and other gun control groups have called on Congress to strengthen laws governing gun trafficking and straw purchases. CHICAGO A Chicago resident has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for setting fire to the Boost Mobile Store Eastern Division May 17, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns at Holmen Pawn Shop in Holmen, Wisc. Texas Gun Sense info@txgunsense.org PO Box 92722, Austin, TX 78709-2722 (512) 903-4186 The bipartisan group of senators announced on Sunday that it would seek to crack down on those purchases as part of an agreement on a series of gun-related proposals. The civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Blake family, falsely described Rittenhouse on Friday as a "self-declared white nationalist." The offense is known as a 'straw purchase.' Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Ritchie will also serve extended supervision after his release. But Rittenhouse has never publicly identified as a member of any extremist group. If the end recipient is not disclosed to the gun dealer/seller, they cannot run the background check for the actual purchaser/owner. By signing up you agree to Guns.com's In 2012, Pennsylvania established the so-called Brad Fox Law named after a police officer shot in the head by a felon who had illegally purchased a gun through a third party. 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. Kyle gifted the money to Dominic Black to Purchase the firearm for himself then do a private sale one Kyle had turned 18. 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. 20 Colorado for Pac-12 title berth, Olympic ticket sales for Paris Games gets off to rocky start. Similarly, those acting as a human holster for a criminal would be subject to a felony. 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. Both the purchaser and the intended buyer are criminally liable under these statutes; the actual buyer is criminally liable for aiding and abetting the straw purchase, and for causing another to make false statements. 922(a)(6) and 18 U.S.C. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. This is not giving a gift. Fighting violent crime is a top priority in our office, and we are committed to holding accountable those who engage in illicit firearm transactions.. You have permission to edit this article. Jones or an intermediary told the straw purchasers which firearms to buy and provided the money for the purchases. Each count of the indictment is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He was acquitted on all counts. When a person buys a gun intending to later sell it to someone else, the government often prosecutes the initial buyer under 18 U.S.C. Project Safe Neighborhoodsis a nationwide initiativeto reduce gun violence and violent crime in neighborhoods across the country. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives provided assistance. A straw purchase is any purchase in which a second person agrees to acquire a firearm for someone else. 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. Generally, secretly purchasing a gun on someone else's behalf from a gun dealer, called a straw purchase, is illegal. A jury fully acquitted Kyle Rittenhouse on Friday, bringing a close to the high-profile and often tense trial that reflected America's deep political polarization. The 5-4 ruling allows strict enforcement of the federal ban on gun "straw purchases," or one person buying a . The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a major victory to gun control advocates on Monday. Answer (1 of 29): This will just be another embarrassing moment for the left's ridiculous attempts to convict someone for something that was completely legal. In a November CNN interview, Democratic Rep. Karen Bass of California propagated the falsehood, alleging that Wendy accompanied her son over state lines so he could help law enforcement amid the unrest. The individual is also accused of using one of the weapons to commit a homicide. Who Can Be Held Liable for Winter Truck Accidents. 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. Home Press Releases Dept. 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. The indictment describes seven firearm transactions in Wisconsin: Holding straw purchasers accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods the Department of Justices violent crime reduction strategy. Contact Us About Straw Purchases in Texas. During a trip to Black's family's hunting property in May 2020, Black agreed to buy a rifle for Rittenhouse, who was 17 and couldn't lawfully buy or possess one. 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. But as Rittenhouse testified, the teenager drove himself to Kenosha ahead of the protests. Pennington is prohibited from purchasing a firearm due to multiple felony convictions in the state of Wisconsin. After he pleaded not guilty to the initial charges in January 2021, prosecutors said Rittenhouse went to a bar in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, where he posed for photos with members said to be of the Proud Boys while flashing a "white power" hand signal. 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. 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. Here are the states where residents will pay the biggest share of their income I never realized: Airbnb hosts warn of scam taking advantage of Shark Tanks Kevin OLeary blasts Ocasio-Cortez: She kills jobs by the Florida bill would require bloggers to register before writing about DeSantis, Trump collaborates on song with Jan. 6 defendants. 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.". WisPolitics.com DC breakfast with U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, WisPolitics luncheon with Marquette University Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin. Straw purchasing is when someone buys a gun for another person who isn't legally allowed to own one, such as felons. Tony Evers. Straw buying is a felony in progressive Connecticut, albeit one in the second-least-serious order of felonies. Tips For Preventing Firearm Straw Purchases. The Nylon 66, a relatively inexpensive rimfire with faux woodgrain, was the first successful synthetic-stock firearm. Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Lock 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. Need Help?service@guns.comCall (866)582-4867, PO Box 1131 13800 Nicollet Blvd Burnsville, MN 55337 2023Guns.com. May 13, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns at Ace Hardware in La Crosse, Wisc. You have permission to edit this article. -1 23 more replies MenaFWM 1 yr. ago as well as other partner offers and accept our. Democrats hope they can bring a gun violence package to the floor the week of June 20. Dominick Black, a friend of Rittenhouse who was 18 at the time, testified earlier in the trial that Rittenhouse paid him to buy the rifle from a hardware store in Wisconsin back in May 2020. A straw purchase occurs when somebody purchases a firearm for another person while pretending to purchase it for personal use. 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. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The two reportedly agreed that Black would keep the gun until Rittenhouse turned 18 in January 2021, according to court testimony. 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The two reportedly agreed that Black would keep the gun until Rittenhouse turned 18 in January 2021, according to court testimony. 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. She disputed the defense attorney's characterization of Huber as a "rioter" or "looter." Official websites use .gov By: Camden R. Webb & Charles E. "Chuck" James, Jr. A Wisconsin gun shop, Badger Guns, has been held liable for almost $6 million for injuries to two police officers who were shot with a gun purchased at the shop. A "Kenosha Guard" militia group on Facebook did issue a "call to arms" ahead of the violenceon August 25. Graap allegedly used one of those firearms to fatally shoot and kill Kayla Frank. The gun was already being stored at a friend's house in Kenosha, according to police records and court testimony. Although there are exceptions, generally all firearm purchasers must be at least 21 years of age to purchase any firearm. 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. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Departments program to reduce violent crime. The backers of the proposal, which passed the legislature on a voice vote, say the move was requested by the Milwaukee Police Department. 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. 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. According to Kyle The Answer to this is no. Black said he used Rittenhouse's . 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. 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. This is not John Waynes revolver it is a modern work of art! The law raises the maximum penalty for the illegal straw purchasing of guns under state law from a $10,000 fine and nine months in jail to six years in prison. As far as straw purchases go, you stand in for someone. 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. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Rittenhouse, 18, was on trial for fatally shooting two men and injuring a third during civil unrest in Kenosha in 2020. Insider debunked six prevalent myths surrounding the high-profile and tense trial. 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. 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. Rittenhouse was also charged with reckless endangerment of two additional men. Resolving a split between federal circuit courts of appeal, the Supreme Court holds that the prohibition in 18 U. S. C. 922 (a) (6) against making false statements about "any fact material to the lawfulness of the sale" of a firearm applies to a "straw" purchasera person who buys a gun on someone else's behalf while falsely . The person that Zastrow bought the firearms for was a convicted felon. If they ask you to buy it, fill out the 4473 in your name, and then pay you . 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. Merrill woman sentenced to federal prison in case stemming from homicide, Our Kids in Crisis: A Mental Health Emergency, one of the guns she purchased was used in a homicide, Wisconsin legislators ask Governor Evers to remove Milwaukee County District Attorney from duties following Waukesha tragedy, A local school district hosts school-based mental health counseling retreat, Marathon Co. corrections officer awarded sheriffs office life saving medal, Wisconsin politicians react to Roe v. Wade being overturned by U.S. Supreme Court. This is illegal. A straw purchase occurs when somebody purchases a firearm for another person while pretending to purchase it for personal use. Dept. Sentencing Guidelines. Have a question about Government Services? 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. 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. If you were arrested or charged with a crime in connection to an alleged straw purchase, we can help. I ask myself that question every day," she told the outlet. Someone makes a straw purchase when they purchase a gun on behalf of someone else who may not be . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. Graap will next be in court again on May 8th at 11 a.m. for a Motion hearing. Two Minnesotans were recently charged and convicted for committing the crime. With other recent changes in the law, straw purchases, and people charged with other gun crimes, now face severe criminal penalties. I have no answer. K-Mart Classics: Remingtons Nylon Rimfires Engineered To Last. During the investigation, law enforcement utilized ATFs National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. An indictment. Feds say 'straw buyer' purchased 39 handguns for a felon since July, paid more than $25,000 cash to firearms dealers. 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. The other hand shows a straw purchase as buying a gun and selling it directly to someone who can pass their own background check, without actually taking the background check. 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. 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. That person also allegedly used one of the firearms purchased by Zastrow to commit a homicide. A straw purchase is when you purchase a firearm at the behest of another person. 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. Wisconsin law also criminalizes straw purchases, and anyone who helps another illegally obtain a firearm can also be prosecuted for intentionally aiding and abetting a crime. 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. 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. Gun control groups have long called attention to the impact on gun violence of straw purchases, a term with which many may be unfamiliar. Every time the left tries to harm innocent law abiding citizens, it runs the risk of conservative Americans lashing out. 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. Straw purchase is a purchase where a purchaser knowingly acquiring an item or service for someone. 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. 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. "Straw purchasing a firearm is a federal crime with serious consequences," said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. 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. 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. gun for an acquaintance in Chicago who was unable to buy a firearm himself due to a past felony conviction for theft in Wisconsin. Kyle Ritchie was found guilty of buying four guns from a licensed dealer in Wausau last year by representing himself as the actual buyer. 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. The Judge gave him the break of a lifetime by obfuscating two different statues. In states where there is no specific law prohibiting a straw purchase, the federal law will apply. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! In the first six months of 2018, the pair caused at least 19 handguns to be purchased in Wisconsin and transported to Chicago, where Rocha and others re-sold and distributed them, the indictment states. Any violations of these laws can result in a 10-year prison sentence and fines up to $250,000. 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. You should know the laws that apply to buying firearms as gifts for another person. 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. There are two federal statutes under which straw purchases are usually prosecuted: 18 U.S.C. Tell us what you think about the songs we play! 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.