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US Attorney: Guns that killed Indiana cops bought by straw purchasers

Posted at 1:21 PM, Jun 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-11 14:18:29-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- Federal prosecutors filed charges Monday over the purchase of the guns used to kill two Indiana law enforcement officers. 

US Attorney Josh Minkler announced charges against Dawn Rochon, Tiffany N. Dean, and Levi M. Brenton in connection with the firearms. 

According to Minkler, Rochon made an illegal purchase of a handgun in February 2017 from a gun store in Indianapolis. He is accused of making false statements on the purchase documents. The same gun was used to kill Boone County Deputy Jacob Pickett in March 2018, Minkler alleges.

Similarly, Dean is accused of buying a handgun from a Terre Haute gun store in February 2017. She said the gun was for her, but it was actually for her brother, Brenton. He then sold the gun for $350 before it was used to kill Terre Haute Officer Robert Pitts in May 2018, Minkler alleges. 

“When guns are purchased or possessed illegally, it is never for a good reason and the results are often tragic,” said Minkler. “We all continue to mourn the loss of Deputy Pickett and Officer Pitts and law enforcement must hold all those who contributed to their senseless death accountable. Those who ‘lie and buy’ guns will be prosecuted in federal court.” 

  • Rochon, 29, has been charged with eight counts relating to making false statements when acquiring a firearm
  • Dean 33, faces charges of making a false statement when purchasing a firearm
  • Brenton 20, faces charges including conspiracy to make false statements when purchasing a firearm, possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user, and selling/giving a firearm to an unlawful drug user

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