PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Four Philadelphia men have been charged for their roles in illegally purchasing and trafficking nearly 40 firearms.
According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the suspects acquired at least 36 guns through straw purchases — many just within the last few months.
A straw purchase is when a person who is legally allowed to buy a firearm purchases one for someone else — typically, someone who may not be able to pass a background check and buy a gun on their own.
Investigators found three men who were making straw purchases for 23-year-old Fausto Emmanuel Martinez-Mosquea. They include 29-year-old Gregg Dreghorn, 22-year-old Carlos Rosario-Figuereo, and 26-year-old Vaishaun Covington.
“Every straw-purchased firearm is a threat to the safety of the people and communities in our Commonwealth,” Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement. “These defendants were stockpiling numerous firearms in a relatively short time. Many of these weapons would likely have been sold to persons prohibited from having firearms, and possibly used in violent crimes.”
All four men are charged with several violations of the Uniform Firearms Act, conspiracy, and related offenses. Their combined bail totals more than $5.7 million.
The investigation is ongoing.
Editor’s update, Oct. 10, 2024:
Carlos Rosario-Figuereo pleaded guilty to several delivery of firearms charges and will be sentenced in October. Vaishaun Covington pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy and 31 counts of sales of firearms charges. He was sentenced to five to 10 years in prison.