Bob Kasarda

HAMMOND — A 25-year-old Gary man was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in a scheme to make false statements while purchasing firearms.

Lanear Finch was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James Moody after pleading guilty to the felony offense, according to Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor.

Court documents reveal that Finch operated a straw purchasing ring between November 2019 and January 2021, recruiting individuals to buy firearms on his behalf from licensed dealers in Northwest Indiana. Finch's operation led to the straw purchase of approximately 17 firearms, officials said.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Kristian R. Mukoski prosecuted

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