ATF- Kielma NEWS... W.VA: Straw Deals Just Don't Do It
By Gregory Kielma
Parkersburg Man Sentenced for Straw Purchase Crimest
Parkersburg Man Sentenced for Straw Purchase Crime
Friday, May 2, 2025
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia
Says, FFL, Gunsmith and Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma,
friends, you can’t purchase a firearm for another person. It’s considered a “straw deal”. You can and most likely will become a convicted felon doing so. When filling out the ATF (Alcohol-Tabacco-Firearms 4473 Form) It specifically ask if the firearm is for you. This form must be answered honestly.
Says Kielma,
this is a legal document, like your IRS Tax form. It must be answered truthfully, or the consequences can be dire for you and your family. Please be truthful and save yourself the legal issues you can and will create for you and your family. If I believe this is a straw deal, I'll inform the ATF and you will never transfer or purchase a firearm from me. Please read below.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Laikin Williams, 25, of Parkersburg, was sentenced on Thursday, May 1, 2025, to three years of federal probation for making a false statement in acquisition of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 5, 2022, Williams purchased a Taurus model PT111 G2A 9mm pistol at a Parkersburg business. Williams admitted that he bought the firearm for another individual, and falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that he was the purchaser of the firearm when he knew he was buying it for the other individual.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the assistance provided by the Parkersburg Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and D. Keith Randolph and former Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-133.
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Updated May 2, 2025