Two Monroe County Men Charged With Making Straw Purchases Of Fourteen Firearms

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 14, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Pedro Quinones, age 44, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania and Douglas DeHaven, age 35, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, with multiple counts of making false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers.  The superseding indictment had been under seal pending the arrest of Quinones, who was arrested yesterday.  DeHaven was arrested in August.

According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the superseding indictment charges Quinones and DeHaven with providing false information, conspiracy, and aiding and abetting, regarding the purchases of fourteen firearms between January 5, 2018 and February 11, 2018.  It is alleged that two of the firearms were purchased from Bella Mia Jewels in Tannersville; nine of the firearms were purchased from Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitters, in Brodheadsville; and three of the firearms were purchased from Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitters, in Stroudsburg.  The superseding indictment also charges Quinones with being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. 

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is ten years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.

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