Gun-related crimes are serious offenses in Philadelphia. While there are legal ways to procure a firearm in the city, strict rules apply to every purchase. Circumventing the law to purchase or distribute guns can lead to weapons charges, even if the person had the legal right to purchase a gun for personal use.
According to a news report based on information from the District Attorney’s Office, a 41-year-old Philadelphia woman was recently arrested and charged with weapons violations, tampering with public records, and four other offenses stemming from a series of gun purchases.
The woman bought two .40-caliber handguns from a Philadelphia gun shop. News reports do not indicate what made the salesman become suspicious, but he called the Gun Violence Task Force, a partnership between the District Attorney’s Office, Attorney General’s Office and the Philadelphia Police Department, to express concerns after the sale.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered the woman had previously purchased a .357 Glock, two .45-caliber handguns, and a .40-caliber handgun. When confronted, the woman told police she had purchased the guns for a male acquaintance who is a convicted felon. The man was arrested on Oct. 18, with two of the guns in his possession.
The woman was also arrested and is being held on $250,000 bail.
Gun charges can lead to significant jail time. Anyone charged with crimes involving firearms is wise to seek legal counsel.
Source: Philadelphia Daily News, “Pair arrested in straw purchasing scheme,” Phillip Lucas, Oct. 19, 2012
