Woman arrested on firearms charges
Hayward resident suspected of buying in Nevada with false ID
By Ricci Graham, STAFF WRITER
HAYWARD — A 37-year-old Hayward woman has been implicated in an ongoing federal investigation into the illegal purchase of firearms in Nevada, authorities said.
LaJuene Smith faced multiple firearms charges after she was taken into custody Wednesday by agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, ATF spokeswoman Marti McKee said.
McKee said Smith, who turned herself in to authorities in Reno, is accused of using false information to acquire a Nevada identification card that lists a post office box and a hotel as her address July 21.
That day, McKee said, Smith allegedly used the card to buy firearms.
"They are pretty serious charges," McKee said, adding that Smith faces a maximum sentence of 10 years on each count and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted. "The crux of the case is that she made a false statement to obtain a firearm."
ATF agents uncovered a "suspicious purchase pattern" of illegal purchases involving Smith, who is listed as a Hayward resident. McKee said Smith bought four firearms May 20 in Reno before returning to California.
The four guns — including a Kel-Tech assault rifle that is outlawed in California — were confiscated by ATF agents and the California Highway Patrol after Smith crossed the state line.
McKee said Smith was released after the guns were taken to afford agents more time to solidify the case.
Smith is the third Bay Area resident to be arrested in connection with the ATF's investigation into the illegal purchases of firearms in Reno.
Also recently arrested were Earl James Ficklin, 33, and Antioch residentTheresa Brown, 43. Both were taken into custody Wednesday after the two illegally purchased firearms in Nevada in October, McKee said.
ATF agents said four firearms purchased by Ficklin were recovered in Oakland, Richmond, Martinez and San Francisco. McKee said agents have not been able to track down the weapons, other than those confiscated in May, purchased by Smith.
McKee said the three were attempting to skirt California's more stringent gun-purchasing laws. California has a 10-day waiting period for the purchase of certain firearms, and people buying guns in this state must also be registered and undergo a lengthy background check.
In Nevada, however, McKee said the state conducts "an instant check" at the gun shop and there is no waiting period. Essentially, she said, a Nevada resident can acquire a firearm the same day the purchase is made.
"People think it's harder to track the guns down if they're purchased out of state," McKee said.
