A DeSoto County woman will spend 30 months in federal prison for a straw purchase of a firearm, buying a gun on behalf of someone she knew could not legally have one. Dominikka Thomas, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sharon Aycock, according to a report from the DeSoto Times-Tribune published Sept. 21.
Thomas had previously pleaded guilty to making the straw purchase and to lying under oath about the transaction. In addition to the prison term, she was ordered to serve three years of supervised release once she gets out.
What happened in the straw purchase case
According to court records cited in the report, Thomas bought a firearm from a federally licensed gun dealer on behalf of Lavoris McGee. McGee was barred from having a gun because of a previous conviction for illegally possessing a firearm.
Key facts in the case:
Defendant: Dominikka Thomas, 27, of DeSoto County
Charges admitted: straw purchase of a firearm and lying under oath
Sentence: 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release
Judge: U.S. District Judge Sharon Aycock
Prosecutor: Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee
Who investigated
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation, with help from the Leflore County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.
ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson said the agency will keep focusing on prohibited people who unlawfully possess guns. He said the sentence “sends a message” that ATF and federal prosecutors will work to keep repeat offenders from getting more firearms and to hold straw buyers fully accountable.
Why straw purchases are a federal crime
A straw purchase happens when someone buys a gun for another person who is not allowed to own one, or who does not want their name on the paperwork. Buyers at licensed dealers must fill out a federal form stating they are the actual buyer. Lying on that form, or knowingly buying a gun for a prohibited person, is a federal felony.
Federal officials have made straw purchasing a priority in recent years, saying these guns often end up being used in violent crimes. Anyone with information about illegal gun sales can contact the ATF tip line at 1-888-ATF-TIPS.
