Johnstown Man Pleads to Federal Firearms Offense

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to charges of making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer, and immediately following, was sentenced to one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Paul Gregory Williams, Jr., 27, pleaded guilty to Counts One and Three of the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about July 6, 2019, and December 14, 2019, Williams, acting as a straw purchaser, purchased firearms from Gander Outdoors, Sporting Goods Discounters, and Dunham’s Sports, federally licensed firearms dealers, stating he was purchasing the firearms for himself, when, in truth and fact, he was not the actual buyer, but was purchasing the firearms on behalf of another person.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Kaufman commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.