A Kent, Washington resident, Dion Jamar Cooper, has been sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in a straw purchasing scheme that involved more than 130 firearms. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez in Seattle following an investigation conducted by the Seattle Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Martinez questioned Cooper on his understanding of the impact of his actions: “Do you understand the damage that has been done in the community?... If people engage in straw purchasing and distribute the firearms in our community, or any community, there will be a serious consequence that follows.”
U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman highlighted ongoing concerns related to Cooper's activities: “Even as Mr. Cooper has awaited sentencing, we are finding additional crime guns linked to his straw purchasing activity.” According to Gorman, 54 of the firearms purchased by Cooper have been recovered and linked to various crimes including armed robberies and at least one homicide.
The investigation into Cooper's activities began after a firearm dropped during an attempted robbery in Rainier Valley was traced back to him. Further checks revealed he had acquired 107 firearms since June 2021, with later investigations raising this number to 133.
Agents surveilled Cooper during March and April 2023 as he continued buying firearms with De’ondre Lamontia Phillips assisting him by driving him to gun shops. Phillips is prohibited from possessing firearms due to past convictions for heroin distribution and illegal firearm possession among others. He received a seven-year prison sentence last month.
In February 2024, Cooper pleaded guilty to charges including making false statements connected with firearm acquisition and trafficking.
Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg emphasized the severity of Cooper’s offenses noting he was "the largest known straw purchaser of firearms in the history of the Western District of Washington." Greenberg pointed out that all recovered crime guns were found with individuals legally barred from possessing them.
The case continues under investigation by ATF and Seattle Police Department while prosecution is handled by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.
