Previously convicted felon pleads guilty to running straw-purchasing firearms conspiracy

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A previously convicted felon pleaded guilty in federal court here to crimes related to a straw-purchasing firearms conspiracy involving more than 20 guns seized from criminals in other states.

Delonte Robertson, 33, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to conspiring to and making false statements during the acquisition of a firearm and to transferring firearms interstate.

According to court documents, between 2021 and 2023, Robertson devised a scheme to recruit women with no criminal records to purchase firearms and then provide the guns to Robertson. The defendant then provided the firearms to criminals in other states.

More than 20 firearms were recovered by law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C. and Maryland that were purchased in Ohio as part of Robertson's conspiracy.

Making false statements during the acquisition of a firearm carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Conspiring to make false statements during the acquisition of a firearm and transferring firearms out-of-state are federal crimes punishable by up to five years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.

Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announced the guilty plea offered on June 11 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Geraghty is representing the United States in this case.

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