Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty to Lying and Buying Firearms
MINNEAPOLIS – Yesterday in federal court, a 31-year-old Minneapolis man pleaded guilty to providing false information on applications required for purchasing firearms. Ryan Thomas Sandoval pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Sandoval, who was indicted on April 17, 2012, entered his plea before United States District Court Judge Ann D. Montgomery.
In his plea agreement, Sandoval admitted 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. In addition, Sandoval admitted buying the guns for other people but stating they were for him. The weapons purchased included four nine-millimeter pistols and three Glock .40-caliber pistols. The purchases were made at Twin Cities-area gun shops and at a Brooklyn Park gun show.
For his crimes, Sandoval faces a potential maximum penalty of ten years in prison on each count. Judge Montgomery will determine his sentence at a future hearing.
This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter.
###