Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun Purchases

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that on February 27, 2019, Elias K. Davie, age 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Andrews to 24 months incarceration.  Davie pled guilty to making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer in the acquisition of firearms. 

According to court filings, over a two-month period, Davie straw purchased three handguns for drug dealers, falsely representing that he was the actual purchaser when, in fact, he intended to transfer the firearms to drug dealers.  Thereafter, Davie attempted to straw purchase two additional guns for individuals that were prohibited from owning them. 

Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “It is a violation of law to straw purchase firearms.  It is even more egregious to supply those firearms to drug dealers. This is a lethal combination and we will do our best to ensure that such defendants are held fully accountable for their conduct.”   

“Our mission is to protect communities from anyone using firearms to commit illegal and violent acts,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Cekada. “Those who aid felons by supplying them with guns and who criminally abuse the process of purchasing firearms must be held accountable for their role in threatening the safety of our communities.”

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whitney Cloud and Laura D. Hatcher.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District of Delaware for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 18-CR-4-RGA.