Date: 07-26-2024

Case Style:

United States of America v. Juan Antonio Duran

Case Number: 2:24-cr-00002-LSC-GMB

Judge: L. Scott Coogler

Court: The United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (Jefferson County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office in Birmingham
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Defendant's Attorney:

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Description:

Birmingham, Alabama criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Firearms’ Trafficking Scheme
North Dakota Man Sentenced to 80 months in Prison for Firearms’ Trafficking Scheme

Between May 9, 2023, and May 11, 2023, Juan Antonio Duran, 29, of Watford City, North Dakota, conspired with Flores to purchase at least three firearms from an FFL in the Northern District of Alabama. Flores, the straw purchaser, falsified documents by specifically stating that he was the actual buyer when in fact he was buying the firearms for Duran. On May 9, 2011, after Duran and Flores traveled into Alabama, Flores attempted to purchase three Barrett .50 caliber rifles from the FFL but was told the transaction was delayed pending completion of a background check. Instead, Flores purchased the FFL’s entire stock of Barrett .50 caliber rifle magazines for $2,769 cash. The next day, the FFL called Duran and Flores and informed them that the background was complete, and the transfer could proceed. On May 11, 2023, Duran and Flores returned to the FFL from out of state. Flores recertified the document stating that he was the actual buyer and provided approximately $31,000 in cash before being detained by ATF agents. Flores told the ATF agents that he received the bulk cash from Duran for the purpose of buying firearms for Duran. Meanwhile, Duran was detained while moving their vehicle in anticipation of receiving the rifles. During a search of Duran’s property, agents found a receipt for three Barrett .50 caliber rifles purchased by another person from an FFL in Grimes, Iowa, on April 28, 2023. The purchase was made in cash for $35,843.91.

The ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. Homeland Security Investigations provided translation and technical support. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel S. McBrayer and Brittney L. Plyler prosecuted the case.

Outcome:

Defendant was found guilty and sentenced to 80 months in prison.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: