Altus man convicted for lying during gun purchase

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday, the conviction of a Altus man after lying during during the purchase of a firearm.

According to U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester, Angel Luis Garcia-Navedo, 27, of Altus, was found guilty after a bench trial of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

DOJ authorities confirm, on August 16, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Garcia-Navedo, charging him with making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm and with illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment. On May 14, 2024, the case proceeded to a bench trial on the false statement count, after which the Court found Garcia-Navedo guilty.

DOJ officials say, evidence presented at trial, in April 2023, Garcia-Navedo visited an Altus federal firearm licensee (FFL) to initiate the purchase of a rifle. To do so, Garcia-Navedo was required to complete Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473. This Form requires buyers to answer several questions, including those about the buyer’s competency, criminal history, drug use, immigration status, and history with domestic violence. Federal law prohibits knowingly making any false statement in connection with purchasing, or attempting to purchase, a firearm. On the ATF Form 4473, evidence at trial showed that Garcia-Navedo indicated that he was not under indictment or information for a felony or a crime for which he could be imprisoned for more than one year.

According to DOJ officials, public record reflected, that at the time that he completed the ATF Form 4473, Garcia-Navedo was charged by information with two felony offenses in Jackson County District Court.

At sentencing, Garcia-Navedo faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.