Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

A Cleveland man was indicted for lying about his conviction for domestic violence three times this year while trying to purchase a firearm.

 

Joseph Williams, 25, was indicted on three counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

 

Williams was convicted in 2011 of one misdemeanor count of domestic violence in Cleveland Heights Municipal Court.

 

Williams falsely stated he had not been convicted of domestic violence when he attempted to purchase firearms from Fin Feather Fur in Middleburgh Heights on Aug. 31, Atwell’s Police & Fire Equipment in Painesville on Sept. 5 and Atlantic Gun & Tackle in Bedford Heights on Oct. 27, according to the indictment, according to the indictment.

 

He was stopped from buying the firearm each time.

 

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.  

 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle K. Angeli.

 

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.