News Articles

Delaware County Daily Times, 2/13/08

Adolph aims at 'straw' purchasers

By Alex Rose

DELAWARE COUNTY - State Rep. Bill Adolph, R-165, of Springfield recently introduced legislation that would increase the statute of limitations to prosecute so called "straw" purchasers of firearms, who are seen as a major roadblock to clearing the streets of illegal weapons.

"My legislation is aimed at providing law enforcement with the time needed to put together a case against those individuals who legally purchase firearms and then turn around and sell those guns to criminals," said Adolph in a release. "A crucial step in reducing violent crime is making sure we stop those who are providing criminals with guns."

House Bill 2234, expected to go before the House Judiciary Committee for review, would increase the statute of limitations to five years for offenses involving straw purchases of firearms, including knowingly making false statements on forms associated with those purchases.

According to the release, the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission recorded less than 100 convictions for 6,111 straw purchase offenses each year from 2004-2006.

"While I am encouraged by recent reports of significant arrests and illegal gun seizures by the attorney general's task force in Philadelphia, I have concerns that it may take time to put together cases for all 6,111 prosecutions," said Adolph. "That is why extending the statute of limitations is so important."