Nicah Anderson, a 44-year-old resident of Cypress, Texas, was a federal firearms licensee and the former majority owner and operator of NE Guns, a firearms store in Houston. Anderson’s involvement in the firearms industry came under scrutiny due to his role in facilitating illegal firearm transactions that eventually led to his conviction. His case is emblematic of how licensed gun dealers can sometimes become complicit in illegal activities, which contributes to broader issues such as firearms trafficking and gun violence.
NE Guns Store
Nicah Anderson initially established NE Guns as a legitimate business, dealing in the sale of firearms, ammunition, and related accessories. However, the store became a focal point of illegal activities when Anderson started facilitating firearm purchases for individuals who were not legally permitted to acquire them. Investigators discovered that between December 2022 and March 2023, Anderson had allowed at least 41 firearms to be bought through straw purchasing. In this scheme, individuals who could not legally buy firearms arranged for third parties, or “straw purchasers,” to buy the guns on their behalf. These straw purchasers, who could pass the necessary background checks, then transferred the firearms to the actual buyers, often for illicit purposes.
What Are Straw Purchasers Are?
Straw purchases refer to the illegal practice where an individual, known as a “straw purchaser,” buys a firearm on behalf of another person who is prohibited from purchasing or owning a gun. This often occurs when the actual buyer cannot legally purchase a firearm due to restrictions such as a criminal record, history of domestic violence, mental health issues, or other disqualifying factors under federal or state law. The straw purchaser, who typically has a clean background and can pass the required background check, falsely represents themselves as the actual buyer of the firearm, thereby circumventing the legal safeguards intended to prevent certain individuals from acquiring weapons.
The Process For Straw Purchases
The process of a straw purchase typically involves two key parties: the straw purchaser and the actual buyer. The straw purchaser goes to a licensed firearms dealer, selects the firearm, and completes the necessary paperwork, including a background check form that asks whether the individual is the true purchaser of the firearm. By falsely answering this question in the affirmative, the straw purchaser misleads the dealer and the authorities, allowing the firearm to be transferred to someone who might otherwise be barred from possessing it.
Considered A Felony Offense
Straw purchases, an act considered a felony offense, violate federal law. The consequences for those involved can be severe, including significant fines and imprisonment. Despite these penalties, straw purchases remain a prevalent method by which firearms fall into the hands of criminals and individuals with malicious intent. This illegal practice is a significant concern for law enforcement agencies because it undermines the integrity of the firearms regulatory system and contributes to gun violence and crime.
Straw purchases particularly trouble law enforcement because they often link to larger networks of illegal firearms trafficking. For instance, buyers often resell guns acquired through straw purchases on the black market, where criminals are more likely to use them. Violent offenders, gang members, or drug traffickers can quickly get these firearms, making it even more challenging for law enforcement to maintain public safety.
Nicah sold high-powered rifles.
NE Guns sold some of the most dangerous weapons available, including Barrett .50 caliber sniper rifles and FN SCAR 17S .308 caliber rifles. Criminal organizations, including Mexican drug cartels, often seek these high-powered firearms due to their destructive capabilities. Anderson fully knew these transactions were illegal, yet he continued to allow them, prioritizing profit over legal compliance and public safety.
The Investigation into Him
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) spearheaded a complex and multi-faceted investigation into Nicah Anderson and his firearm store, NE Guns. This investigation began when authorities suspected that Anderson was involved in illegal firearms transactions, specifically facilitating the sale of weapons to individuals who could not legally purchase them. The investigation uncovered how extensively Anderson had knowingly engaged in and profited from these illegal activities, ultimately leading to his conviction.
Patterns Became Apparent
The initial suspicions arose when law enforcement observed patterns in the sales conducted by NE Guns. Between December 2022 and March 2023, law enforcement noticed that numerous firearms were being purchased through straw purchasers—individuals who were legally eligible to buy guns but did so on behalf of others who were not. This practice raised red flags because criminals and those with nefarious intentions commonly use straw purchases to acquire firearms without going through legal channels. Recognizing the potential threat posed by these illegal transactions, the ATF began closely monitoring Anderson and his business.
A Search Warrant Issued
The investigation gained significant momentum when law enforcement executed a search warrant at NE Guns on July 19, 2023. This search was a pivotal moment in the investigation, as it uncovered a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, and other evidence that directly tied Anderson to illegal activities. Among the items seized were 266 firearms, 138,940 rounds of ammunition, seven silencers, and extensive business records. These records were crucial in establishing a timeline of illegal transactions and identifying the straw purchasers involved. The sheer quantity and type of firearms found during the search underscored the seriousness of the situation, revealing that Anderson was dealing in high-powered weapons often sought after by criminal organizations.
Financial Records Provided More Clarity
Financial records obtained during the investigation provided further evidence of Anderson’s involvement in illegal activities. Between October 2022 and August 2023, NE Guns had received approximately $115,000 from suspected straw purchasers. This significant sum of money highlighted the scale of the operation and indicated that Anderson was not merely a passive participant but was actively facilitating and profiting from these illegal sales. The investigation also revealed that Anderson was aware of the destination of the firearms and the likelihood that they were being used for illicit purposes, further implicating him in the illegal trafficking scheme.
The ATF’s investigation was thorough and methodical, combining surveillance, financial analysis, and direct evidence gathered from the search to build a robust case against Anderson. Witness testimony and documentation of repeated illegal sales further bolstered the case against him. U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani and Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the ATF emphasized the importance of such investigations in curbing illegal firearms trafficking, which is a significant contributor to gun violence in cities like Houston.
The Firearms
The firearms in question included highly dangerous weapons, such as Barrett .50 caliber military-grade sniper rifles and FN SCAR 17S .308 caliber rifles, which Mexican drug cartels favor. Anderson knew about the illegal resales but allowed the transactions to proceed.
U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that Anderson’s actions contributed to the illegal trafficking of weapons, thereby fueling gun violence in cities like Houston. Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) echoed these sentiments, stressing that firearms trafficking is a significant factor in ongoing gun violence.
The Charges That He Face
The former majority owner and operator of NE Guns in Houston, Nicah Anderson, faces serious legal repercussions due to his involvement in illegal firearms trafficking. The charges against Anderson primarily focus on accusing him of aiding and abetting the unlawful business of dealing firearms without a proper license.
This charge highlights the seriousness of Anderson’s actions, as he knowingly assisted in the sale of firearms to individuals who were not legally allowed to purchase them. Anderson violated federal firearms laws and contributed to the spread of dangerous weapons, which could easily end up in the hands of criminals or be used in violent crimes.
Plea Agreement
In Anderson’s case, as part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, he has admitted to his role in these illegal activities. This plea agreement is a critical element in the legal proceedings, as it indicates Anderson’s acknowledgment of guilt and may influence the final sentencing. The plea agreement typically involves negotiations between the defense and the prosecution, often resulting in a reduced sentence in exchange for a guilty plea and, in some cases, cooperation with further investigations.
Anderson agreed to a plea deal that includes a two-year prison sentence, with sentencing scheduled for October 24. The court has allowed him to remain on bond until his sentencing date.
His Next Court Date
In terms of the timeline for Anderson’s court proceedings, U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison has accepted his guilty plea and set the sentencing date for October 24, 2024. The court appearance will also provide an opportunity for both the prosecution and the defense to present their arguments regarding the appropriate sentence.
In addition to the prison sentence, Anderson may also face other penalties, such as fines, forfeiture of assets, and the loss of his federal firearms license, which would permanently bar him from legally engaging in the firearms business.
The outcome of Anderson’s sentencing will serve as a warning to others in the firearms industry about the severe consequences of engaging in illegal activities and the importance of adhering to federal laws designed to regulate the sale and distribution of firearms.
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FAQs About Nicah Anderson’s Case
Nicah Anderson is a 44-year-old resident of Cypress, Texas, and a former federal firearms licensee who owned and operated NE Guns in Houston. He was convicted of aiding and abetting in illegal firearms trafficking by facilitating straw purchases.
Nicah Anderson was involved in illegal firearms trafficking, specifically aiding and abetting the sale of firearms through straw purchasers. These straw purchasers bought firearms on behalf of individuals who were not legally permitted to purchase them.
Straw purchases involve someone buying a firearm on behalf of another person who is prohibited from purchasing or owning a gun. The straw purchaser falsely claims to be the actual buyer, thus circumventing background checks and other legal requirements.
The investigation into NE Guns revealed that the store was a hub for illegal firearms transactions. A search uncovered 266 firearms, 138,940 rounds of ammunition, seven silencers, and extensive business records indicating straw purchases and other illegal activities.
Nicah Anderson faces charges for aiding and abetting in illegal firearms trafficking. His court appearance for sentencing is scheduled for October 24, 2024, where he is expected to receive a two-year prison sentence as part of a plea agreement.
Hey there! My name is Olivia Ramirez, I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s of science in Psychology. I can’t help but scour the web for crime news and interesting stories. I write mostly true crime, anything from white collar crimes to the tragic murders across America. I try to mix in local news updates with big hitting scandals.
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