Oklahoma City Man Sentenced To Serve 30 Months in Federal Prison for Lying During Firearms Transactions
OKLAHOMA CITY — Today, a federal judge sentenced NEMORY ZAHID RAMOS CASTRO, 22, of Oklahoma City, to serve a total of 30 months in federal prison for lying during firearms transactions, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 5, 2022, a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Oklahoma returned a one-count Indictment against Ramos, charging him with making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. On August 17, 2022, a five-count Superseding Indictment charged Ramos with conspiracy to make a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, three counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, and transferring a firearm to a person residing outside the State of Oklahoma.
On January 5, 2023, Ramos pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. The government agreed to dismiss the other charges against him pursuant to a plea agreement.
At a sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Ramos to serve 30 months in federal prison. In support of his sentence, Judge Friot cited, among other things, the serious nature of the offense and the dangerous nature of the specific firearms involved. Judge Friot also ordered Ramos to serve three years of supervised release upon release from prison.
According to public record and evidence presented at sentencing, Ramos made false written statements in connection with the purchases of two assault-style firearms, one in Oklahoma City and one in Luther, Oklahoma. In one instance, Ramos submitted an ATF Form 4473 stating he was not acquiring the assault-style firearm for another person, but a few hours after the transfer law enforcement found another individual in possession of it during a traffic stop. The ATF requires prospective firearm buyers to complete Form 4473, which requires prospective buyers to answer several questions related to the transfer.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsie A. Pratt and Jacquelyn Hutzell, the case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, the Department announced the reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement has learned since the program’s launch in 2001.
Reference is made to public record for further information.
