A Kansas City, Missouri man has admitted to selling firearms without a federal license. Delron Montrez Pickens, 29, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Stephen R. Bough to one count of engaging in the business of firearms sales despite not having a federal firearms license.
According to court documents, Pickens bought or tried to buy 23 guns from licensed dealers with the intention of reselling them for profit. He acknowledged making false statements on required ATF Form 4473 paperwork by providing an incorrect address and falsely stating he was purchasing the guns for himself. In reality, Pickens admitted that he was buying these weapons for third parties.
Pickens also stated that on several occasions he acted as a “straw purchaser,” obtaining firearms for individuals whom he knew were legally barred from owning them. He continued this activity for profit even though he did not have a valid license to sell firearms.
Under federal law, Pickens faces up to five years in prison without parole. The actual sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing advisory sentencing guidelines and other legal factors once a presentence investigation is complete.
“This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford,” according to the release. “It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.”
The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, which is described as “a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.”
