Allentown Couple Charged In Straw Purchase Scheme

PHILADELPHIA - Tracy Martin, 48, and Marie Hinds, 41, both of Allentown, PA were charged today by indictment with orchestrating the straw purchase of two guns, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the indictment, Martin directed Hinds to purchase a 9mm pistol and a .32 caliber pistol for him, in January 2011, from an Army Navy store in Whitehall, PA. The couple allegedly lied on the federal firearms form by indicating that the guns were for Hinds. The indictment further alleges that Martin lied to an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives by claiming the guns were secured in a safe in his home when he knew they were not.

If convicted, Martin faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $750,000; Hinds faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph LaBar.

Click here to view the indictment

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525