Rowlett, Texas, Man Sentenced To One Year And One Day In Federal Prison For Selling Firearms Without A License

Defendant Sold Used Firearms for Resale from His Print Screen Shop in Garland, Texas

DALLAS — Jackie Don Burke, 68, of Rowlett, Texas, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn to one year and one day in federal prison, following his conviction at trial in February 2013 for engaging in the business of firearms without a license. Burke was ordered to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on July 30, 2013. Today’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

The government presented evidence at trial that Burke repeatedly bought used firearms for resale, a business that he conducted out of his print screening shop in Garland, Texas. According to Burke’s own records, not particularly well kept, he sold at least 135 firearms in a 14-month period.

In one instance, Burke sold a pistol to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) without even asking if he was a prohibited person, i.e., a convicted felon. Burke only asked the agent if he had a Texas driver’s license, which Burke only glanced at. Burke had a sign outside his print screening business that declared that he was in the business of selling guns and maintained that he was simply selling firearms from his personal collection, which is lawful. Burke testified at trial and told the jury that he was too old to go to jail.

The case was investigated by ATF; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Taly Haffar and Katherine Pfeifle prosecuted.