U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHRISTOPHER MAZUR, age 34, and REBECCA COMSTOCK, age 36, pleaded guilty today to violations of the Federal Gun Control Act. MAZUR pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 922(g)(9), and 924(a)(2). COMSTOCK pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer, or a straw purchase, in violation of Title 18, United States code, Sections 922(a)(6), 924(a)(2), and 2.
According to court documents, COMSTOCK falsely stated in paperwork submitted to a federally licensed firearms dealer that she was the actual purchaser of three firearms that were intended for MAZUR. MAZUR could not purchase the firearms for himself because of his previous felony convictions in Louisiana and Mississippi, and because of a previous Louisiana conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. In addition to the three guns purchased from the federally licensed firearms dealer, federal agents seized seven firearms and 2,825 rounds of ammunition from MAZUR and COMSTOCK’S residence.
MAZUR and COMSTOCK face as to each count a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan McLaren is in charge of the prosecution.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
