Federal Jury Finds Fort Myers Woman Guilty Of Lying To Federally Licensed Firearms Dealers

Fort Myers, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury has found Victoria Louise Whidden (26, Fort Myers) guilty of two counts of providing a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on October 25, 2016, Whidden provided a false statement to Shoot Straight in Fort Myers, a licensed firearms dealer, in connection with her purchase of two AK-47 rifles. Additionally she provided a false statement to another licensed firearms dealer, EBS Arms in Cape Coral, on October 31, 2016, in connection with her attempted purchase of three AK-47 rifles. Whidden’s false statements concerned her misrepresentation of her current residence address at both gun stores.    

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.