The charges Zastrow faced stemmed from one of the guns she purchased was used in a homicide. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. The civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Blake family, falsely described Rittenhouse on Friday as a "self-declared white nationalist." How Can Employers Avoid Accusations of Wrongful Termination? "We are doubling down on our efforts across the DMV to prosecute any and all straw purchasing cases. But the tech company later confirmed that Rittenhouse had not been a follower of the flagged page. He pleaded not guilty Wednesday during his arraignment in federal court in Chicago before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes. Thanks to Governor Walker, prosecutors should be able to make gun charges stick and get dangerous criminals off the streets.. 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Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. The Khindri brothers who own the dealership denied this under oath, but multiple other witnesses testified against them, backing Rittenhouse's version. This person was unable to legally possess a gun because of a previous felony conviction. Home Press Releases Dept. The two reportedly agreed that Black would keep the gun until Rittenhouse turned 18 in January 2021, according to court testimony. Have a question about Government Services? 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. without the transfer creating a "straw purchase". The campaign was designed to prevent and discourage illegal straw purchases. 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 . Stay in the know. Some other states have looser regulations that prohibit individuals from knowingly encouraging sellers to conduct those illegal firearm transfers, according to the group. This is not John Waynes revolver it is a modern work of art! Johnson. The Nylon 66, a relatively inexpensive rimfire with faux woodgrain, was the first successful synthetic-stock firearm. That person also allegedly used one of the firearms purchased by Zastrow to commit a homicide. Rockford: (815) 987-4444. Here is the reason. Learn how you can help drug endangered children. A locked padlock Stay up to date with what you want to know. Section 18 U.S.C. Gun control groups have long called attention to the impact on gun violence of straw purchases, a term with which many may be unfamiliar. With other recent changes in the law, straw purchases, and people charged with other gun crimes, now face severe criminal penalties. But Rittenhouse's possession of the firearm at the time was technically legal. Who Can Be Held Liable for Winter Truck Accidents. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. as well as other partner offers and accept our. 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. 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. . Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children. 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. 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. 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. But any violation of the Gun Control Act, 1968 make the . Firearm Gifts Legal Considerations . During the investigation, law enforcement utilized ATFs National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. gun for an acquaintance in Chicago who was unable to buy a firearm himself due to a past felony conviction for theft in Wisconsin. Huber's great aunt, Susan Hughes, also testified at Rittenhouse's trial, saying Huber knew Jacob Blake personally and was upset by his shooting. 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. 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. Straw purchasing is when someone buys a gun for another person who isn't legally allowed to own one, such as felons. His Illinois residence helped spur rumors that the teenager traveled to Wisconsin with his rifle illegally in tow. The 29-year-old Indiana man allegedly acted as a straw purchaser to buy the firearm used to kill Chicago police Officer Ella French. This crime is being prosecuted more vigorously as of late, and comes with a potential for a very long prison sentence. 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. Black is now being prosecuted for participating in the illegal straw purchase of the weapon on behalf of Rittenhouse. 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 offense is known as a 'straw purchase.' The person that Zastrow bought the firearms for was a convicted felon. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! 922(d) if the seller knew or had reason to know that the person buying the gun is a criminal or otherwise prohibited buyer. 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. The gun . Who Can't Buy a Gun in Wisconsin? 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 . 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. Instead, Ritchie passed the guns off to Victor Pennington in exchange for meth. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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.. of Justice: Merrill woman sentenced to prison for making false statements during purchase of firearms. (2) The prohibition in sub. 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. Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. 922(a)(6) prohibits any person from making false written or oral statements regarding any material fact in the sale of a firearm or ammunition to a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector of firearms. 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. In order to complete the purchase of the firearms, she represented that she was the actual buyer of these firearms when she was not. If you are being charged with making a straw purchase or with any other gun crime, contact our skilled Milwaukee criminal defense attorneys, who have defended many of these types of cases and are ready to defend you and protect your rights. Rittenhouse was also charged with reckless endangerment of two additional men. You should know the laws that apply to buying firearms as gifts for another person. "Why was he there? Despite the federal prohibition and state-level legislation, many gun control advocates and experts say the illegal transactions still happen regularly. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Departments program to reduce violent crime. This is not giving a gift. As far as straw purchases go, you stand in for someone. 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. Rockford, IL 61101, Chicago: (312) 353-5300
Two Minnesotans were recently charged and convicted for committing the crime. This prison term will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. 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. They're illegal, because criminals and other people who cannot pass a background check often get other people, who can pass a background check, to buy guns for them. Editor's note: This story has been corrected to make clear in graf 18 that Jacob Blake was shot and he survived. The person that Zastrow bought the firearms for was a convicted felon. The individual is also accused of using one of the weapons to commit a homicide. 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. Your intent is to act as the agent. K-Mart Classics: Remingtons Nylon Rimfires Engineered To Last. A "Kenosha Guard" militia group on Facebook did issue a "call to arms" ahead of the violenceon August 25. 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 any purchase in which a second person agrees to acquire a firearm for someone else. Ashley Zastrow, 32, purchased two firearms in Wisconsin Rapids on Jan. 13, 2022. In general, straw purchases are legal except in cases where the ultimate receiver of goods or services uses those . ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Kyle gifted the money to Dominic Black to Purchase the firearm for himself then do a private sale one Kyle had turned 18. April 13, 2018: Valentine purchased a handgun at Big Rooster Firearms in Sparta, Wisc. Classic Browning Light Twelve Auto-5 Review: Busting Clays With the Old Humpback Shotgun. 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. You are the original buyer, yet you have no intent to own the gun. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. March 23, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns from a dealer at Bob and Roccos Gun Show in Onalaska, Wisc. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus prosecuted this case. 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. 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. How Old Do You Have to be to Buy a Gun in Wisconsin? 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. 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. 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. Danzy was released on a $4,500 unsecured bond. 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.". Although there are exceptions, generally all firearm purchasers must be at least 21 years of age to purchase any firearm. It is legal to purchase a firearm as a gift for another, if you are actually buying the firearm for . A straw purchase is when you purchase a firearm at the behest of another person. 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. 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. 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. 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. "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. 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. If the end recipient is not disclosed to the gun dealer/seller, they cannot run the background check for the actual purchaser/owner. Since then, a number of straw buyers have faced a mandatory five-year minimum sentence under its guidelines. But those background checks and records involve the purchaser of the firearm and not always the ultimate user of the gun. Straw buying is a felony in progressive Connecticut, albeit one in the second-least-serious order of felonies. To complete the purchase,she represented that she was the actual buyer of these firearms when in fact she was not. The prosecution argued as such. 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. 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. (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. 219 S. Dearborn St., 5th Floor
Democrats hope they can bring a gun violence package to the floor the week of June 20. There are two federal statutes under which straw purchases are usually prosecuted: 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. 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. 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. 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. Zastrow's prison term will be followed by a 3-year stint on supervised release. This is illegal. If you were arrested or charged with a crime in connection to an alleged straw purchase, we can help. 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. Graap will next be in court again on May 8th at 11 a.m. for a Motion hearing. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Departments program to reduce violent crime. An indictment. 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. 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. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. Call us at 414-271-1440 or send us an e-mail today to discuss your case. 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. Lock "This is part of a longstanding and deadly pattern in Chicago of straw . Sentencing Guidelines. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved, Gov. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. There was a problem saving your notification. Contact Us About Straw Purchases in Texas. Chicago, IL 60604
May 19, 2018: Valentine purchased seven handguns from a dealer at Bob and Roccos Gun Show in Onalaska, Wisc. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/subject_index/index/f/firearms_and_dangerous_weapons, https://law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/922, https://law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/924. 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. 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. 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. 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. According to Kenoshanews. In states where there is no specific law prohibiting a straw purchase, the federal law will apply. Every cowboy needs a revolver. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment that day in federal court in Chicago before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez. Ritchie will also serve extended supervision after his release. 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. 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. Feds say 'straw buyer' purchased 39 handguns for a felon since July, paid more than $25,000 cash to firearms dealers. Circumstantial vs. Court documents showed the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle was purchased by Black on May 1 at Ladysmith Ace . CHICAGO A Chicago resident has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for setting fire to the Boost Mobile Store Eastern Division
Licensed dealers also are required under federal law to maintain records on their gun sales and make them available to law enforcement for inspection. Scott Walker on Wednesday approved a measure touted as making it easier to prosecute illegal straw purchasing of firearms in the state. 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. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Everytown for Gun Safety and other gun control groups have called on Congress to strengthen laws governing gun trafficking and straw purchases. 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. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Illinois, Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC), Two Men Indicted in Scheme to Straw Purchase Firearms in Wisconsin and Re-Sell Them in Chicago, Federal Judge Sentences Rockford Man to More Than Five Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm in Rockford, Federal Inmate Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for Assaulting Federal Correctional Officer, Chicago Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Setting Fire to Cell Phone Store, Two Men Indicted In Scheme To Straw Purchase Firearms In Wisconsin and Re Sell Them In Chicago.