Eden Man Charged With "Lie And Try" Offense For Making A False Statement While Attempting To Buy A Gun

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Richard Henry Wojtkowski, 64, of Eden, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with falsifying an ATF Firearms Transaction Record while attempting to purchase a firearm. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmanuel O. Ulubiyo, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint on July 27, 2018, the defendant attempted to purchase a 12 gauge shotgun, at a Wal-Mart Store in Hamburg, NY. This purchased was denied because Wojtkowski is currently subject to an Order of Protection issued by the Eden Town Court in July 2018. The Order of Protection will not expire until July 24, 2020. The defendant answered "no" to question 11 (h) on the Firearms Transaction Record, which asks if the purchaser is subject to a court order prohibiting him from harassing, stalking or threatening his child or intimate partner or child of his intimate partner.

Wojtkowski made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.