HOUSTON - Daniel Wade Holler, 27, has been sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to make false written statements to licensed dealers in connection with the acquisition of firearms and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Holler, of Magnolia, pleaded guilty June 28, 2013.
Today, U.S. District Judge Gray Miller ordered Holler to serve a total of 121 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
In September 2011, authorities began to connect several firearms purchases by multiple individuals to Holler. His vehicle had been used during the purchases and ultimately led to the discovery of the overall conspiracy. Some of the co-conspirators had been seen on store surveillances and by witnesses arriving and leaving in a red car. The authorities were able to trace the car back to Holler and connected him to the purchase of 55 firearms by multiple individuals.
Holler’s role in the conspiracy included directing the co-defendants to falsify statements intended to deceive the federal firearms licensees. Each co-conspirator was paid approximately $100-150 dollars per firearm bought and then turned them over to an individual who would send them to Mexico. All nine co-conspirators have pleaded guilty to their roles in this conspiracy.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation and has played an integral role in combatting firearms trafficking between the United States and Mexico.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan J. Paulson.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
