A Clarksburg, West Virginia woman admitted on Mar. 31 to purchasing a firearm for someone who was not allowed to possess one, according to U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address illegal firearms transactions and related crimes in the region.
Shayla Ann Jackson, age 27, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to straw purchase a firearm. Court documents and statements made in court indicated that Jackson worked with others to buy firearms for an individual prohibited from having them.
Jackson could face up to 15 years in prison. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar is handling the prosecution for the government, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation into the matter.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, described as a nationwide initiative using Department of Justice resources “to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.” U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over proceedings.
