Kobe Y. Patterson, a 24-year-old man from Grand Blanc, Michigan, was arraigned after being indicted for allegedly buying firearms illegally for others, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. said. Some of the firearms Patterson purchased were later found with convicted felons and at crime scenes, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
This type of transaction, called a "straw purchase," hides the identity of the actual buyer, who may want to avoid a background check or leave no record of owning the firearm. “Patterson’s straw purchases are dangerous because they undermine our ability to keep firearms away from criminals and other prohibited persons,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said. He added that such actions would face full prosecution, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
James Deir, ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge, said, "Patterson is a gun violence enabler! He represents the worst in our community by trafficking firearms to people unable to legally obtain and possess them." Patterson was indicted after a joint investigation by the ATF and the Grand Blanc Township and Flint Township Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Vance will prosecute the case. An indictment does not prove guilt, and the government must prove it "beyond a reasonable doubt." Deir also said, "If personal greed takes you to a place where you illegally traffic firearms, your next destination on your greed journey is federal prison," as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
