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Federal officials warn South Florida residents: buying a gun for someone else can be a felony
Federal authorities renewed a warning in Miami-Dade on Thursday as part of the ATF’s 26-year “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy” campaign, emphasizing that purchasing a firearm for someone who cannot legally buy one is a federal crime known as a straw purchase. ATF and U.S. Attorney representatives, joined by local law enforcement leaders, said such transactions fuel illegal trafficking and criminal activity, with some firearms sold abroad to the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. Officials noted the black‑market value disparity — weapons that cost thousands here can command much higher prices overseas — and reminded residents that those who make illegal purchases face federal penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. The agencies urged people not to act as intermediaries or complete firearm paperwork on behalf of others, stressing that what may seem like a favor is a prosecutable offense.
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