Joint Operation In Tuscaloosa Results In Numerous Arrests, More Than 100 Illegal Guns

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A joint operation by local and federal officials has resulted in numerous arrests focusing on the illegal firearms trade as police say more than 100 illegal guns have now been taken off the streets.

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The investigation targeted individuals prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions who used third parties to purchase weapons on their behalf. This practice is otherwise known as a “straw purchase” and is illegal under both federal and state law, with the two parties involved both subject to criminal prosecution.

As a result of this operation, investigators with the Tuscaloosa Police Department announced warrants against nine offenders on 20 felony charges. To date, four have been taken into custody.

Additionally, TPD says 13 offenders have been taken into custody on federal charges with additional investigations ongoing. The arrests follow nearly three months of investigations, with some cases originating over a year ago.

Investigators also said the arrests were the result of officers tracing back the origins of a weapon that was used in a crime.

TPD also pointed out that gun buyers sign an ATF Form 4473 that certifies they will
be the owner of the firearm. Lying on the form when making a straw purchase is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.

The case involved investigators with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office

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