Rapid City Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statement in Attempt to Purchase a Firearm

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Easton L. Mercy, age 20, of Rapid City, appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on March 14, 2011, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with False Statement During Attempted Purchase of a Firearm. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

Mercy made a false and fictitious written statement in that he had not been convicted of a felony, or any other crime, to Alpha Title and Pawn when attempting to purchase a pawned rifle from the business. Mercy's statement was made to deceive the pawn shop as to his criminal history and the unlawfulness of his acquiring said firearm.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted L. McBride.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for June 3, 2011. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.