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Date: 01-28-2020

Case Style:

United States of America v. Wayne Komsi, III

Case Number: 4:18-cr-00013-TWP-VTW

Judge: Tanya Walton Pratt

Court: United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana (Floyd County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Lindsay E. Karwoski and MIchelle Patricia Brady


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Defendant's Attorney:


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Description: New Albany, IN - The United States of America charged Wayne Komsi, III with making false statements during the purchase of firearms.

Wayne Komsi III, 58, of North Vernon, Ind., was convicted on two counts of making a false statement during the purchase of firearm, following a two-day jury trial.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to reducing gun violence by keeping firearms out of the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing firearms,” said Minkler. “If you choose to lie and buy firearms, you will be prosecuted fully under federal law.”

On December 13, 2017, Komsi pleaded guilty to a felony in Jennings County, Ind. As a term of his Jennings County felony plea, Komsi was prohibited from possessing firearms. Although he had a pending felony out of Jennings County, Komsi attended an auction on March 3, 2018, where he purchased 21 firearms. In order to get those 21 firearms transferred into his possession, Komsi falsely indicated on three Firearms Transaction Records, March 6, March 20, and April 3, 2018, that he was not prohibited from possessing firearms. At the time he filled out each form, Komsi was, in fact, prohibited from possessing firearms because of the felony charge of resisting law enforcement. Additionally, Komsi fraudulently filled out a Firearms Transaction Record on May 26, 2018 in an attempt to purchase an additional firearm.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case with support from our Project Guardian partner: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“ATF is committed to combating gun violence in our communities and ensuring that firearms do not end up in the hands of those people who are prohibited from possessing them,” said Jonathan McPherson, ATF Special Agent in Charge for the Columbus Field Division. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to reduce violent gun-related crimes and make our communities safer.”

According to Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle P. Brady and Lindsay E. Karwoski, who are prosecuting this case for the government, Komsi faces a sentence of up to 5 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Outcome: 01/27/2020 109 MINUTE ENTRY for jury trial held before Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 1/23/2020: Defendant WAYNE JOHN KOMSI, III (1) appeared in person and by CJA counsel Larry Simon. Appearance for the USA by AUSA Lindsay Karwoski and Michelle Brady. Jury selected, seated and sworn. Evidence entered and testimony presented. Parties and jury instructed to return on 1/24/2020 at 8:30 a.m. Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. (Court Reporter David Moxley) (TRG) (Entered: 01/27/2020)
01/27/2020 111 MINUTE ENTRY for jury trial held before Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 1/24/2020: Defendant WAYNE JOHN KOMSI, III (1) appeared in person and by CJA counsel Larry Simon. Appearance for the USA by AUSA Lindsay Karwoski and Michelle Brady. Evidence entered and testimony presented. Final instructions were settled. Jury retired for deliberations. Jury returned with verdict of GUILTY of Count 1 and Count 4 and NOT GUILTY of Count 2 and Count 3. The United States Probation Office was directed to prepare a presentence investigation report. This matter will be set for sentencing in the New Albany Division, after disclosure of the presentence investigation report. Jury was released and Court adjourned. Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. (Court Reporter David Moxley) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit list)(TRG) (Entered: 01/27/2020)
01/27/2020 118 EXHIBITS Admitted into Evidence During Trial as to WAYNE JOHN KOMSI, III (1) (LBT) (Entered: 01/27/2020)

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