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Press Release

Woodbridge Man who Bought Guns for Drug Dealer Sentenced to Prison

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Virginia

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – McGary Dean Williams, 24, of Woodbridge, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for his role in the illegal purchase of two guns for cocaine traffickers.

“Prosecuting straw purchasers is essential because of the critical role these purchasers play in enabling the unlawful possession and use of guns,” said Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Prohibited individuals who cannot buy guns, including convicted felons, rely on straw purchasers to buy the guns for them. Often times the guns then end up in the hands of dangerous individuals, as in this case.”

Williams pleaded guilty on April 25. According to court documents, on Nov. 12, 2015, Williams, at the urging of co-conspirator Francis Joseph Douglas, purchased two guns from a federal firearms dealer located in Woodbridge.  At the time of the purchase, Williams completed a firearms transaction form that asked, “Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s)?” Williams knowingly lied when he answered “Yes” on the form, because he was unlawfully acquiring the guns for others, not for himself.  Law enforcement recovered the firearms less than 24 hours later, when the Prince William County Police Department arrested Douglas at a local storage facility. 

Douglas pleaded guilty on September 7, to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Douglas is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Michael Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina A. Cuellar prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.  Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:16-cr-97.

Updated October 7, 2016

Topic
Firearms Offenses