Minneapolis Man Indicted for Lying and Buying Firearms
MINNEAPOLIS — A federal indictment unsealed yesterday charges a 31–year–old Minneapolis man with providing false information on applications required for purchasing firearms. The indictment, which was filed on April 17, 2012, charges Ryan Thomas Sandoval with seven counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. The indictment was unsealed following Sandoval’s initial appearance in federal court.
The indictment alleges that on seven occasions between May 5 and August 8, 2011, Sandoval made a false and fictitious written statement to a licensed dealer when purchasing a firearm. Sandoval was allegedly buying the guns for other people but stated they were for him. The weapons purchased included four nine–millimeter pistols and three Glock .40–caliber pistols.
If convicted, Sandoval faces a potential maximum penalty of ten years in prison on each of the seven counts. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.
This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and law enforcement officers from the Minneapolis Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter.
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