Straw Purchasing Conspiracy Defendant Pleads Guilty

A Cass County, Minnesota felon has pleaded guilty for his role in an illegal firearm straw purchasing conspiracy. 

According to United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger, Donald Duane Armstrong, Junior, (36) and a co-conspirator entered a Federal Firearms Licensee in Walker, Minnesota, where the co-conspirator purchased a Glock model 23 G5, 40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, intending to transfer the firearm to Armstrong, who is a convicted felon.

Luger says Armstrong’s co-conspirator lied on May 26, 2023 when filling out the ATF Form 4473, which certifies that he was the actual buyer/transferee of the firearm, when in fact the firearm was intended for Armstrong.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Armstrong’s residence June 14 and seized 14 firearms, including the firearm purchased on May 26. 

Because Armstrong has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.