CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former employee of a Logan County gun and pawn shop was sentenced today to 10 months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Adkins, 39, of Man, previously pleaded guilty to making and aiding and abetting a false statement relating to firearms purchases.
Adkins was an employee of Uncle Sam’s Loans, a gun and pawn shop in Man. Adkins fraudulently filled out federal forms required to be completed during a lawful firearms sale and directed others to fraudulently complete the forms. These types of transactions are commonly called “straw purchases.” The fraudulent forms reflected straw purchases because Adkins delivered the guns to individuals not named on the forms. Adkins engaged in more than 30 illegal straw purchases and transfers of firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Meredith George Thomas are in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
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