BECKLEY, W.Va. – A District of Columbia man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Nicholas Loukas, 31, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to make false statements on records kept by licensed firearms dealers.
Loukas admitted that in September 2015, he directed others to purchase firearms for him so that he would not be named in records required to be maintained by federally-licensed firearms dealers. When the purchases were made, the buyers listed their names on the forms required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, instead of Loukas’ name. Loukas further admitted that four handguns were purchased for him by others at Shooter’s Roost in Beckley. Loukas also admitted that another handgun was purchased for him by an individual at J & S Pawn in Beckley. As part of the investigation, law enforcement additionally recovered another handgun and a shotgun that Loukas unlawfully possessed. Loukas was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2002 robbery conviction in Maryland.
Loukas faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 7, 2017.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
This case is being prosecuted 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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