ILLEGAL GUN PURCHASES RESULT IN 35 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT
FOR LUZERNE COUNTY MAN

Martin C. Carlson, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that David John Searfoss, age 57, of East Main Street, Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James M. Munley to 35 months’ imprisonment for making false statements to a Federal gun dealer in connection with his purchase of 12 firearms.

United States Attorney Carlson stated that the case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation when a number of guns registered to David John Searfoss were recovered at the scene of a shooting in Philadelphia along with 134 pounds of cocaine and $176,365 of currency. The FBI’s investigation revealed that Searfoss purchased 12 guns during a four-month period in 2006 at three different gun stores located in Luzerne County. The investigation further proved that Searfoss was addicted to crack cocaine at the time and was purchasing the firearms for a drug trafficker with a prior felony conviction in return for crack cocaine. United States Attorney Carlson noted that under federal law, it is unlawful for convicted felons and illegal drug users to possess or purchase firearms. Moreover, United States Attorney Carlson stated that in purchasing a firearm from a licenced gun dealer, with limited exceptions, the actual buyer is required to complete certain paperwork to allow gun dealers to complete necessary background checks, to insure the lawfulness of the sale and to maintain appropriate records as to the disposition of the firearms. United States Attorney Carlson stated that Searfoss violated these important gun laws in acting as a straw-party purchaser and lying to the gun dealer during the gun transactions.

In sentencing Searfoss, who had previously pleaded guilty, United States District Court Judge James M. Munley commented that Searfoss’s conduct was outrageous particularly because Searfoss knew the person for whom he was illegally buying the guns was a drug trafficker and that the guns would be possessed in connection with that activity. Judge Munley stated that such conduct presented a threat to the public safety and that his sentence was meant to send a deterrent message to those who may consider engaging in such conduct.

Acting United States Attorney Carlson noted that parole has been abolished, and Searfoss will be required to serve at least 85% of his 35-month sentence, assuming he receives full time off for good behavior while incarcerated. In addition to the 35-month sentence of imprisonment, Judge Munley further ordered Searfoss to be supervised by a Probation Officer for two years after serving his jail term.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gurganus prosecuted the case.

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