A Philadelphia man has been handed a hefty sentence for his role in a gun trafficking operation, according to a Bucks County official release. The scheme involved “straw purchasing”, a practice where guns are bought legally to be illegally resold or transferred to individuals prohibited from firearm ownership. Anthony Jackson, 28, accepted his fate on Wednesday as he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and providing false statements during firearm purchases.
The operation, as detailed in the official report, found Jackson’s criminal enterprise spanned nearly three years, from October 22, 2021, to May 17, 2024. Handed down by Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey L. Finley, the sentence put Jackson away for 12 ½ to 30 years. But it’s not only about the time; there’s a message here. A total of 29 handguns sold by the Philadelphia man were funneled to those who should not have had them, including at least one convicted felon, unveiling the grim reality that illegal firearms often find their way to the heart of criminal acts…