Bristol Woman Sentenced For Acting As 'Straw Purchaser' For Firearms

By Justin Muszynski, The Bristol Press

August 13, 2022

A Bristol woman who bought firearms for individuals with a criminal record, knowing they were barred from having guns, has been sentenced to a year behind bars.

Leah Boucher, 30, faced sentencing Wednesday in federal court in New Haven, where it was ordered that her prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release.

The 30-year-old in May took a plea deal, waiving her right to be indicted before pleading guilty to one count of making a false statement to a firearms dealer.

According to federal court documents, the investigation began when authorities identified a social media post that contained a photo of Tyrone Brown with a gun in his hand. Investigators found that he does not have a valid pistol permit and is a convicted felon, which means he is not allowed to possess a firearm.

A search of Brown’s New Haven residence on Aug. 9, 2021, turned up a handgun that was registered to a family member of Boucher. When investigators spoke to Boucher, she initially said she had forgotten the gun at his home and that the firearm was bought for her by a family member.

Boucher, court papers said, later admitted to buying guns for “an individual” – who she refused to identify – after she was confronted about having purchased 10 guns between March and July 2021. She said the individual would provide her with a list of firearms and money for them, court documents said.

Federal officials say nine of these guns have not been recovered.

Federal court papers said Boucher signed something when she bought the guns that indicated the firearms were for her and no one else. Authorities in court papers said they believe Boucher knew the individual she was buying guns for had a criminal record.

Authorities described Boucher as a straw purchaser, as she had a clean criminal record and could buy guns for those who are barred from having them.

Boucher was not arrested in the case until October. She had been detained since February, when her bond was revoked.

Brown, meanwhile, pleaded guilty in April to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He is detained while he awaits sentencing.

Justin Muszynski can be reached at 860-973-1809 or jmuszynski@bristolpress.com.