DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
District of Delaware

For Immediate Release

Thursday, October 30, 2014
Charles M. Oberly, III
, United States Attorney
Contact: Kimberlynn Reeves

Three Dover Men Indicted for Conspiracy Involving Straw Purchase of Handgun

WILMINGTON, Del. – Charles M. Oberly III, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that an Indictment has been handed down by a federal grand jury charging Shakil Miller (age 21), Jon Henry (age 20), and Corey Harris (age 19), all of Dover, with Conspiracy to Provide False Information to a Federal Firearms Licensee, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 371, and separately charging Miller with Providing False Information to a Federal Firearms Licensee, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 922(a)(6) and 924(a)(2). The defendants face up to 5 years imprisonment and a maximum of $250,000 fine on the Conspiracy count, and Miller faces 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on the Providing False Information count.

The Indictment alleges that Miller traveled with Henry and Harris to Milford Trade and Exchange to purchase a firearm for others. After Harris picked out a particular handgun for purchase, Miller filled out an ATF Form 4473 for that firearm and falsely represented that he was the actual transferee or buyer of the handgun. In reality, Miller was purchasing the firearm, at Harris’ request, for others. Miller is alleged to have acted as a straw purchaser. The prosecution of straw purchasers and those with whom they allegedly conspire is an important step in keeping firearms out of the hands of those who will not or cannot lawfully purchase firearms.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Dover Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh.

The charges in the Indictment are only allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Baltimore Field Division