Joshua Paul Stewart Turner and Noah Olen Fowler have been sentenced for their involvement in a conspiracy to straw-purchase a firearm. The case, prosecuted under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, highlights efforts to address unlawful firearm trafficking.
Fowler purchased a firearm for Turner, who was prohibited from possessing one. During the transaction, Fowler falsely certified on ATF Form 4473 that he was buying the weapon for himself. Evidence showed that Turner directed Fowler on which firearm to buy and paid him via CashApp. At the time of purchase, Fowler worked as a correctional officer at Berkeley County Detention Center.
U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling stated, "Straw purchases undermine our efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of those legally prohibited from possessing them." He emphasized continued collaboration with law enforcement to prosecute such offenses.
ATF Special Agent Alicia Jones commented on the dangers of straw purchasing: "Whether you are the prohibited individual in possession of a firearm or the individual who lied to supply that firearm, both are considered threats to public safety and both face serious consequences."
Reid Davis from the FBI Columbia field office added, "Weapons in the hands of those prohibited from possessing them are a direct threat to public." He stressed that these sentences highlight serious consequences for violating federal firearms laws.
United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Turner to 20 months' imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Fowler received a time-served sentence with an identical period of supervision. Federal sentences do not include parole.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI Columbia field office, and Berkeley County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is handling prosecution duties.