Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a Wasilla man was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage to 15 years in prison for his convictions for being a felon in possession of firearms and for conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms.

On June 9, 2011, Gregory Dale Hayes, 55, a resident of Wasilla, Alaska, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Ralph R. Beistline.

According to information presented to the court by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Bottini and Yvonne Lamoureux, who prosecuted the case, Hayes, who has 11 prior felony convictions, arranged for two different acquaintances to falsify federal firearms acquisition forms claiming that they were the actual buyer of numerous guns. Hayes’ purpose in using “nominees” was to conceal the fact that Hayes, who as a convicted felon could not legally purchase firearms, was the person who was actually buying and possessing the weapons. Federal agents later seized a total of 44 firearms from Hayes, as well as three functional hand grenades, body armor, and plans for a silencer. Hayes was arrested on December 3, 2009.

Hayes pled guilty in January 2011, to one count of conspiracy to make false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms and two counts of felon in possession of firearms. Hayes also agreed to forfeit his interest in many of the seized firearms.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Beistline noted that in addition to the serious nature of these crimes, Hayes had a very extensive prior criminal history and had “basically been a criminal his entire adult life.” Judge Beistline focused on the need to protect the public in the future from Hayes in deciding to impose the 15 years sentence.

Ms. Loeffler commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hayes.

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