Johnstown Woman Admits Illegally Purchasing Guns For Another Person

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Kimberly G. Yarnavick, 47, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 15, 2009, in conjunction with the purchase of a Hi Point pistol; on Feb. 5, 2010, in conjunction with the purchase of a Phoenix pistol; and on March 3, 2010, in conjunction with the purchase of a American Arms pistol, Yarnavick knowingly made false statements in an effort to deceive Sporting Goods Discounters, a federally licensed firearms dealer. Yarnavick represented she was the actual buyer of the firearms when, in fact, she was purchasing the firearms on behalf of another person.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Aug. 1, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Yarnavick on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Yarnavick.

According to Mr. Hickton, Yarnavick is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.