KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Stern Warning from Local Authorities on Gun Purchases
Residents of Knoxville should take heed of a strong message regarding illegal gun purchases. Knox County’s District Attorney General, Charme Allen, has made it crystal clear: “If you buy a gun for someone who isn’t allowed to have it, we are coming after you.” This warning couldn’t be more timely, as the rise in illegal firearm possession continues to be a serious issue in the community.
A Growing Concern
Each week, prosecutors in Knox County charge about five adults for being caught with firearms when they shouldn’t have them. This alarming trend has only accelerated in 2023, with a total caseload of 245 charges to date. District Attorney Allen acknowledges that this issue extends beyond adults, stating, “I don’t have the juvenile numbers, but I can tell you it is a problem in our juvenile court as well.”
A Case That Shook the Community
A particularly striking case in recent history involved Anthony Thompson Jr., a 17-year-old who tragically lost his life during a confrontation with the police in April 2021. His friend, Kelvon Foster, 22, had purchased a 9mm pistol for him from a local gun store—lying on the application to do so. The gun became central to the conflict that left Thompson dead. “Had he not had a weapon that day, we would have a much different situation,” Allen noted solemnly. In light of his actions, Foster was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison.
Straw Purchasing: A Serious Offense
The term “straw purchase” refers to when someone buys a firearm on behalf of someone else, especially if that person is legally prohibited from owning a gun. A national initiative has long warned buyers with the message, “Don’t lie for the other guy.” Individuals caught in this act face serious consequences, including fines up to $250,000 and potential prison sentences of 15 years.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee is particularly active in prosecuting these illegal transactions. For instance, one recent case involved a woman sentenced to 21 months in prison for lying on an ATF form in order to buy guns for a felon.
Wider Implications of Gun Accessibility
While prosecutors emphasize the dangers of straw purchases, defense attorney Don Bosch points out that these offenses rank lower on the list of how individuals forbidden from owning guns obtain them. “Most of the guns on the street that are being used for nefarious purposes are either just an individual getting it from a friend, an acquaintance…borrowing it, or stealing it,” Bosch explained. According to him, stolen guns represent a critical area of concern.
This sentiment is echoed by Rashaad Woods, a leader in the gang intervention program ReNOUNce DeNOUNce. He notes that immature individuals having access to firearms only compounds the issue. “Access to—and individuals with—guns are a big problem right now,” Woods said. He emphasized, “Anytime a person with an immature mind has a gun, it’s a problem.”
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The situation in Knoxville serves as a reminder of the complex and ongoing challenges related to gun ownership and illegal possession. The strong stance from local authorities signals that the community will not tolerate actions that endanger lives. Everyone is encouraged to be responsible and to think carefully about the implications of their actions when it comes to firearms.
