A Dominican national has openly admitted to the charge of making a false statement to a firearms dealer. Eugenio Gonzalez-Paredes, aged 53, could face up to five years in federal prison for his actions. The conviction arises from an instance at a Deltona, Florida, gun shop where Gonzalez-Paredes attempted to acquire a Glock pistol.
When attempting to purchase, Gonzalez-Paredes was required to truthfully complete a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Form 4473. This form specifically inquires about the applicant's criminal history, asking whether they have ever been convicted of a felony. Gonzalez-Paredes marked 'No,' despite having been twice convicted for illegal reentry by a previously deported alien in the United States District Court in the District of Puerto Rico. This discrepancy led to his charge of making a false statement.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated Gonzalez-Paredes' false statement, and the case is now in the hands of Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman for prosecution. This incident is part of a larger initiative known as Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to bring down violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
