Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

OKLAHOMA CITY — Earlier this week, Olajuwon Markeezes Hopgood, 29, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 36 months in federal prison for making a false statement during the attempted purchase of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On April 3, 2023, Hopgood was charged by Information with making a false statement during the attempted purchase of a firearm. According to an affidavit in a previously filed criminal complaint, on December 28, 2022, the Bethany Police Department received a call from the owner of a local sporting goods store regarding suspicious individuals at his business. When Bethany police officers arrived, Hopgood was in the process of filling out paperwork for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (ATF Form 4473) in order to purchase a firearm, but he fled the business when he noticed the officers. As presented in open court, an investigation into Hopgood and his associates – including several juveniles – indicates that the group was preparing to rob the sporting goods store.

The complaint further alleges that when Hopgood left the business, he left behind the completed ATF Form 4473, on which he indicated he had never been convicted of a felony or a crime for which he could be imprisoned for more than one year.

Public record reflects that Hopgood has sustained multiple felony convictions, including burglaries in the first and second degree in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2011-4195, as well as pointing a firearm at another person and possession of a firearm after a former conviction of a felony in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2015-2826.

On May 19, 2023, Hopgood pleaded guilty and admitted that he made a false statement on the form despite his prior felony convictions.

At the sentencing hearing on Tuesday of this week, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Hopgood to serve 36 months in federal prison, followed by an additional three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the nature and circumstances of the offense and Hopgood’s violent background.

Federal law prohibits knowingly making any false statement in connection with purchasing, or attempting to purchase, a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requires prospective firearm buyers to complete 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. Applicants who knowingly make false statements may also face criminal prosecution for a felony and up to 10 years in federal prison. Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), who sell or transfer a firearm to a prohibited person, allow a straw purchaser to buy a gun for someone else, or fail to keep proper records of who they sell firearms to may also face criminal prosecution. Before attempting to purchase a firearm, prospective buyers who have eligibility concerns should visit www.atf.gov or contact their local ATF field office.

This case is the result of an investigation by the ATF and the Bethany Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case.

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

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