Columbus, Ohio – A federal grand jury has indicted six individuals for conspiring to make false statements on federal firearms forms and using stolen credit card information to facilitate illegal firearm purchases. The indictment accuses the group of orchestrating a scheme to fraudulently acquire at least 50 firearms between May and September 2022.
The Defendants
The individuals charged in the indictment are Keith Davenport III, also known as “Keefy,” 21, of Columbus; Ellyson Jeffries, 23, of Reynoldsburg; Javohn Garcia, also known as “JG,” 23, of Reynoldsburg; D’andre Beasley, 31, of Columbus; Johna McCoy, 27, of Atlanta; and Vincent Irvin, also known as “V,” 33, of Columbus.
The indictment was returned on October 30, and the case was unsealed on November 15 after all six defendants had been arrested.
Allegations of a Complex Scheme
According to the 14-count indictment, the defendants allegedly used stolen credit card information to place online orders for firearms. These firearms were then transferred to physical retailers in various cities, including Reynoldsburg, Columbus, New Albany, Pataskala, and Pickerington in Ohio, as well as Atlanta and Smyrna in Georgia.
The defendants reportedly lied on federal firearms forms by falsely stating they were purchasing the firearms for personal use. Instead, they allegedly sold or planned to sell the illegally obtained firearms to others.
Charges and Penalties
Each of the six defendants is charged with conspiracy to make false statements on federal firearms forms. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.
Some defendants face additional charges:
- Making false statements during the purchase of a firearm, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
- Aggravated identity theft, which mandates an additional two-year prison sentence.
Law Enforcement and Prosecution
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the charges alongside Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall and Damoun Delaviz will prosecute the case on behalf of the United States.
