United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg recently announced an indictment involving Vance Perry, a 67-year-old resident of Palatka, on charges related to the attempted purchase of firearms. Perry, according to the indictment, attempted to buy guns from federally licensed dealers on two separate occasions, and during these attempts, he allegedly made false statements about his criminal history on the paperwork.
The indictment, which follows an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, specifies that on February 18, 2023, and subsequently on March 25, Perry incorrectly indicated that he had not been convicted of domestic violence. In contrast, the indictment indicates that Perry was convicted of domestic battery on December 28, 2021. This information comes directly from a document published by the Department of Justice.
Making a false statement to get a firearm is a felony under federal law, and Perry could face up to five years in prison if convicted. The FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) flagged his attempts, triggering a review for possible criminal prosecution. It's important to note that an indictment doesn’t mean guilt; it just means formal charges have been brought against the defendant.
Cases like this are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a national program that works with local organizations and law enforcement to reduce violent crime and gun violence. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a new strategy to strengthen PSN. The updated plan focuses on building trust in communities, preventing violence, setting clear enforcement goals, and regularly evaluating its success.
Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot is leading the prosecution of the Perry case. The case is still ongoing.
