United States of America v. Margan Gates

Burlington, Vermont criminal defense lawyer represented Defendant charged with making false statements to a federal firearms dealer in connection with the purchase of a firearm.



On June 29, 2022, Morgan Gates, age 28, of Rutland, Vermont, attempted to purchase a firearm at a Rutland dealer with a federal firearms license ("the FFL”). The FFL had reason to believe that Gates was an active drug user, delayed her purchase, and contacted the Rutland Police Department. While law enforcement investigated the attempted purchase, Rutland Police detectives learned that Gates had successfully purchased a Glock Model 45 9x19mm handgun from a different FFL located in Rutland on June 29, 2022. In coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations, Rutland Police detectives located Gates on June 30, 2022 and arrested her. A search of Gates's residence in Rutland did not recover the Glock firearm but did result in the seizure of ammunition of multiple calibers, an empty box of 9x19mm ammunition, and evidence that demonstrated Gates' participation in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. The Glock Model 45 9x19mm handgun purchased by Gates was ultimately recovered on July 19, 2022, in Rutland, Vermont.



This case was investigated by the Rutland Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations.



Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Ophardt and Zachary Stendig represented the government. Katina Ready, Esq. represented Gates.

Defendant was sentenced to time served, following by 10 months of supervised release.