FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
ANGIE ELAINE AZURE PLEADS GUILTY IN U.S. FEDERAL COURT
Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Great Falls on November 7, 2007, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, ANGIE ELAINE AZURE, a resident of Great Falls, pled guilty to making a false statement during a firearms transaction. Sentencing is set for February 25, 2008. She is currently detained.
In an Offer of Proof filed by the United States, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:
On August 26, 2006, AZURE purchased a HiPoint 9mm caliber rifle from Warehouse Pawn in Great Falls. She lied during the transaction because she was not the true purchaser or buyer of the rifle. A fugitive from justice, who was also a drug user, was the true purchaser of the rifle.
When interviewed on October 19, 2006, AZURE admitted to law enforcement that this individual paid her $100 for purchasing the firearm for him.
AZURE faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette L. Stewart prosecuted the case for the United States.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Office of the Inspector General for Malmstrom Air Force Base, the Great Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.
