Here's what it's like to shoot this classic scattergun. 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. "We are doubling down on our efforts across the DMV to prosecute any and all straw purchasing cases. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Departments program to reduce violent crime. Johnson. 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. Two Minnesotans were recently charged and convicted for committing the crime. He was ordered released on bond, and a status hearing was scheduled for Sept. 17, 2019, before U.S. District Judge John Z. Lee. Democrats hope they can bring a gun violence package to the floor the week of June 20. Black said he used Rittenhouse's . Have a question about Government Services? Court documents showed the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle was purchased by Black on May 1 at Ladysmith Ace . Giving someone a firearm carries a certain level of legal responsibility that does not come with gifting iPads or socks. May 19, 2018: Valentine purchased seven handguns from a dealer at Bob and Roccos Gun Show in Onalaska, Wisc. 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. Straw purchasing firearms is not a victimless crime, said FBI Assistant SAC Larry L. Lapp. 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. But Rittenhouse has never publicly identified as a member of any extremist group. March 23, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns from a dealer at Bob and Roccos Gun Show in Onalaska, Wisc. 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. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. The gun was already being stored at a friend's house in Kenosha, according to police records and court testimony. 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. of Justice: Merrill woman sentenced to prison for making false statements during purchase of firearms, WisPolitics luncheon with Gov. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Departments program to reduce violent crime. The indictment was returned Aug. 1, 2019, and ordered unsealed Wednesday. 219 S. Dearborn St., 5th Floor 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. 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 gun . In Wisconsin it's illegal for any one under 18 to have any kind of dangerous weapon. 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. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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 straw purchaser violates both of these laws by pretending to be the actual gun buyer when the purpose is to give the gun to another. . 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. Dept. According to Kenoshanews. without the transfer creating a "straw purchase". By signing up you agree to Guns.com's 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. NSSF employee Michael Bazinet spends a lot of time focusing on the "Don't Lie . (2) The prohibition in sub. 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. A small number of states also penalize the actual buyer in straw purchases. Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children. -1 23 more replies MenaFWM 1 yr. ago Rittenhouse was also charged with reckless endangerment of two additional men. Since then, a number of straw buyers have faced a mandatory five-year minimum sentence under its guidelines. In general, straw purchases are legal except in cases where the ultimate receiver of goods or services uses those . Thats why tougher laws on straw purchases are a priority for gun control groups. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Departments program to reduce violent crime. Each count of the indictment is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Everytown for Gun Safety and other gun control groups have called on Congress to strengthen laws governing gun trafficking and straw purchases. 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 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. May 19, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns from a dealer at Bob and Roccos Gun Show in Onalaska, Wisc. Feds say 'straw buyer' purchased 39 handguns for a felon since July, paid more than $25,000 cash to firearms dealers. Ashley Zastrow, 32, from Merrill, purchased two firearms in Wisconsin Rapids on Jan. 13, 2022. There was a problem saving your notification. The motives of Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, were less clear that night. As far as straw purchases go, you stand in for someone. She was making the buyfor an individual who accompanied her to the store and provided her with cash at the time of purchase. Seven years earlier, a study found as many as half of dealers from large U.S. cities expressed a willingness to participate in such a purchase. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a major victory to gun control advocates on Monday. Direct Evidence in Wisconsin Criminal Cases. 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. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. But the tech company later confirmed that Rittenhouse had not been a follower of the flagged page. Tips For Preventing Firearm Straw Purchases. You have permission to edit this article. 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. The 5-4 ruling allows strict enforcement of the federal ban on gun "straw purchases," or one person buying a . 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. The offense is known as a 'straw purchase.' The person that Zastrow bought the firearms for was a convicted felon. Danzy was released on a $4,500 unsecured bond. Every cowboy needs a revolver. However, you should beware of what is known as a straw purchase, which is illegal. 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. 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. This prison term will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. 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. Black is now being prosecuted for participating in the illegal straw purchase of the weapon on behalf of Rittenhouse. 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. The gun seller can also be held liable under 18 U.S.C. 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. 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. This is illegal. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Prosecutors said Black bought the gun for Rittenhouse in what is known as a straw purchase. All Rights Reserved, Gov. In states where there is no specific law prohibiting a straw purchase, the federal law will apply. 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. Attorneys Albert Berry III and Elizabeth Pozolo. 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. 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. This prison term will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Good luck with that. Anthony Huber's girlfriend told the New York Post that she and Huber, 26, were protesting that night. The two reportedly agreed that Black would keep the gun until Rittenhouse turned 18 in January 2021, according to court testimony. Need Help?service@guns.comCall (866)582-4867, PO Box 1131 13800 Nicollet Blvd Burnsville, MN 55337 2023Guns.com. On one hand, a straw purchase is when one person buys a gun for someone else who cannot buy one, because they cannot pass a background check. 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. 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. Although there are exceptions, generally all firearm purchasers must be at least 21 years of age to purchase any firearm. . 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. The bill, SB 408, was among 41 signed by the Republican without comment this week. Texas Gun Sense info@txgunsense.org PO Box 92722, Austin, TX 78709-2722 (512) 903-4186 A straw purchase is when you purchase a firearm at the behest of another person. 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 bill, SB 408, was among 41 signed by. There was an error processing your request. 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. Gun control groups have long called attention to the impact on gun violence of straw purchases, a term with which many may be unfamiliar. 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. 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. Here is the reason. (2) The prohibition in sub. The weapon Rittenhouse used to shoot the three men was obtained in what many would consider a "straw purchase" arms sale. 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. Please call us today at (972) 369-0577 to schedule a . 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. The offense is known as a 'straw purchase.' Any violations of these laws can result in a 10-year prison sentence and fines up to $250,000. A straw purchase occurs when somebody purchases a firearm for another person while pretending to purchase it for personal use. . 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. Tony Evers. She disputed the defense attorney's characterization of Huber as a "rioter" or "looter." Rittenhouse did testify that his mother drove him to a local police station to surrender following the shootings. Seven states have laws that penalize sellers who transfer firearms to traffickers under certain circumstances, according to Giffords, a gun violence advocacy group. But as Rittenhouse testified, the teenager drove himself to Kenosha ahead of the protests. A Wisconsin jury fully acquitted Kyle Rittenhouse on Friday, finding him not guilty on five counts. Project Safe Neighborhoodsis a nationwide initiativeto reduce gun violence and violent crime in neighborhoods across the country. You are the original buyer, yet you have no intent to own the gun. An official website of the United States government. I ask myself that question every day," she told the outlet. Generally, secretly purchasing a gun on someone else's behalf from a gun dealer, called a straw purchase, is illegal. Pennington will be sentenced for his role in the incident (one count of distributing meth) next January. 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 PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. Section 18 U.S.C. The campaign was designed to prevent and discourage illegal straw purchases. CHICAGO Two men have been indicted on federal firearm charges for conspiring to straw purchase 19 handguns in Wisconsin and re-sell them in Chicago. 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. May 17, 2018: Valentine purchased two handguns at Holmen Pawn Shop in Holmen, Wisc. If the end recipient is not disclosed to the gun dealer/seller, they cannot run the background check for the actual purchaser/owner. With other recent changes in the law, straw purchases, and people charged with other gun crimes, now face severe criminal penalties. 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 prosecution argued as such. 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 .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. 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. 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. 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.