An Islesford resident, William Heutz, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland to providing false information to a federal firearms dealer. According to court documents, Heutz, 32, bought a Glock Model 19 9mm pistol from a federally licensed firearms dealer in February 2023. On the required Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473, he stated he was the actual buyer of the firearm.
Investigators obtained electronic messages showing that Heutz made the purchase on behalf of another individual who supplied the funds for the transaction. After completing the purchase and keeping some leftover money from the exchange, Heutz transferred the firearm to that person.
Heutz could face up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. If convicted, he may also be subject to up to three years of supervised release. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal considerations.
The ATF led the investigation into this case.
A straw purchase is when someone buys a gun on behalf of another person who cannot or does not want their name associated with the transaction.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence by coordinating efforts among law enforcement agencies and community organizations. In May 2021, the Department strengthened PSN’s strategy with an emphasis on building trust within communities and supporting violence prevention programs. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
