FLINT — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Michigan, Eastern), published as received.
FLINT – A Grand Blanc, Michigan man was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with illegally purchasing firearms for others, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Several of the firearms were later recovered from felons and some were recovered at crime scenes.
Joining in the announcement was James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) – Detroit Field Division.
Charged was Kobe Y. Patterson, 24.
According to the indictment, Patterson purchased several firearms from local firearms dealers on behalf of others. When purchasing the firearms, Patterson lied claiming he was the actual purchaser of the firearms when in fact he knew he was purchasing the firearms for others. Patterson was also charged with illegally possessing a machinegun.
When a gun buyer lies to a firearms dealer to purchase a gun for someone else this is called a “straw purchase.” Most often straw purchases occur because either the actual buyer cannot pass the required background check, or the actual buyer wants to avoid having their name associated with the purchase. Straw purchasing is a serious threat to public safety because it undermines background check laws and contributes to the illegal gun market.
“Patterson’s straw purchases are dangerous because they undermine our ability to keep firearms away from criminals and other prohibited persons,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “If you straw purchase a gun, we will prosecute you.”
“Patterson is a gun violence enabler! He represents the worst in our community by trafficking firearms to people unable to legally obtain and possess them,” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “The message is clear: If personal greed takes you to a place where you illegally traffic firearms, your next destination on your greed journey is federal prison.”
This case was investigated by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, with assistance from the Grand Blanc Township Police Department and the Flint Township Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Vance.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
