ALEXANDRIA, Va. – In a recent judicial proceeding, a Temple Hills, Maryland, resident was sentenced to 14 months in prison for making false statements on federal firearms forms during multiple purchases in Virginia. Court documents reveal that from August 2020 to December 2021, Robert Smith, 48, acquired 59 firearms over 24 separate transactions, falsely claiming residency in Arlington, Virginia.
Virginia’s less restrictive gun laws compared to those of Maryland played a role in the ease with which these purchases were made. Smith’s fraudulent claims allowed him to circumvent Maryland’s stringent regulations, which would not have permitted such frequent acquisitions.
The case came to light following the recovery of four of these firearms from different individuals during traffic stops, all with their serial numbers removed. This alarming detail prompted further investigation, which led to the discovery of additional firearms connected to Smith, also featuring obliterated serial numbers. Two more guns were found in Smith’s possession, none of which were reported stolen, raising concerns about the whereabouts and potential use of the remaining firearms.
The sentencing was announced by Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Washington Field Division, following deliberations by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton.
This case underscores the challenges and implications of interstate discrepancies in gun laws, highlighting the need for vigilant enforcement to prevent illegal firearm trafficking.