Four Fond du Lac Men Indicted for Firearm Straw Buying Conspiracy and Possession of Firearms
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on September 22, 2020, Jonathan Griffin (age: 28); Jason Spinks (age: 37); Shakie Davis (age: 25); and Treon Dennis (age: 36) of Fond du Lac, were indicted with conspiracy to make a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer and possession of firearms by felons, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(2).
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) identified that Fond du Lac area felons Griffin, Spinks, Davis, and Dennis sold heroin in the area and used their heroin distribution network to recruit one of their heroin customers to purchase eleven firearms for them over an eight-month period. Three of the eleven firearms were recovered at crime scenes in the Chicago area shortly after they were purchased.
If convicted of the conspiracy to make a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer and possession of firearms by felons, Griffin, Spinks, Davis and Dennis would face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
“As alleged in the indictment, these men engaged in dangerous activities connected to firearms and heroin,” said U.S. Attorney Krueger. “I commend the excellent work of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Justice Department is committed to working with state and local authorities to ensure public safety and violent crime reduction in all of our cities.”
“Working closely with our local and state law enforcement partners, we are able to use our resources effectively and collaboratively to investigate straw purchasing in communities such as Fond du Lac,” remarked ATF Special Agent in Charge Kristen deTineo of the Chicago Field Division. “Lying and buying is illegal, and we will follow each investigative lead to ensure firearms do not end up in the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them.”
Fond du Lac Police Chief William B. Lamb remarked, “Investigations into criminal conspiracy networks suspected to be involved in the illegal possession and trafficking of dangerous drugs and firearms have been amongst the greatest of priorities for the City of Fond du Lac Police Department. The gun violence that is associated with the drug trade is an epidemic that is ripping far too many cities in our nation apart and we are committed to preventing that type of criminal activity in our city. I commend the work done by the Officers and Investigators of the City of Fond du Lac Police Department as well as those involved members of the Lake Winnebago Area MEG – Drug Unit, Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, and US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, for their exceptional investigative efforts in this and other similar investigations.”
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Fond du Lac Police Department. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Ladwig.
A criminal indictment is merely a formal method of charging an individual and does not constitute inference of his or her guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until such time, if ever, that the government establishes his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A criminal indictment is merely a formal method of charging an individual and does not constitute inference of his or her guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until such time, if ever, that the government establishes his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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