Alleged ‘straw purchaser’ indicted for gun crimes

Seattle – A 24-year-old Seattle man was arrested Friday May 14, 2021 on an indictment for making false statements to purchase firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Quandre Reshawn Cranshaw is charged with two counts of making false statements on a firearms transaction record and one count of making a materially false statement during a firearms purchase.  Cranshaw made his initial appearance on the indictment today in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

“The background check system is based on the principle that the person who passes the background check is the actual buyer of the firearm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman.  “It is a federal felony to pretend that you are buying a firearm for yourself when you are really buying the firearm for someone else who cannot pass a background check.  The Department of Justice is committed to stopping ‘straw buyers’ from purchasing firearms for felons who cannot buy firearms legally.”

According to the indictment, on three different days in March 2021, Cranshaw made false statements on forms he filled out at a federally licensed firearms dealer to purchase guns.  On March 10 and March 30, 2021, he provided a false address when he filled out paperwork to purchase handguns.  On March 19, 2021, Cranshaw purchased 11 guns and falsely stated that he was the actual buyer of the firearms when he was actually purchasing firearms for other people.  Three of the firearms that he purchased were seized less than 12 hours after the purchase, during a traffic stop of a convicted felon.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Making false statements on a firearms transaction records punishable by up to five years in prison.  Making a materially false statement during a firearms purchase is punishable by up to ten years in prison.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Manca.