PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Portland man who illegally purchased firearms on behalf of others has been sentenced to federal prison after investigators linked many of those weapons to violent crimes, including two homicides.
More Than 30 Guns Purchased
According to prosecutors, 30-year-old Richard J. Hilts Jr. bought more than three dozen guns over a period of time, acting as what’s known as a straw purchaser. In such cases, an individual with a clean record buys firearms on behalf of others who may be barred from owning them.
Authorities said at least 16 of the weapons Hilts purchased later turned up at crime scenes across Oregon, Washington, and California. Investigators confirmed that the guns were connected to robberies, assaults, and two separate killings.
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Sentenced in Federal Court
On Monday, a federal judge sentenced Hilts to one year and one day in prison for his role in the scheme. The relatively short sentence reflects both the seriousness of the offense and Hilts’ acceptance of responsibility under a plea agreement.
Hilts had pleaded guilty to making false statements during firearm purchases. Prosecutors argued that by misrepresenting the true buyers of the guns, he enabled dangerous individuals to obtain weapons that were later used in violent crimes.
Impact of Straw Purchases
Law enforcement officials emphasized that straw purchasing remains a significant driver of illegal gun trafficking nationwide. Because many firearms used in crimes are not stolen but rather purchased through intermediaries, investigators often track the origins of recovered weapons back to retail sales.
In Hilts’ case, the link was unmistakable: nearly half of the guns he acquired were later recovered at crime scenes, creating what prosecutors described as a clear pipeline from legal sales to violent crime.
Federal Officials Respond
U.S. Attorney’s Office representatives said the case highlights the dangers posed by straw buyers who allow others to circumvent background checks. “When someone purchases guns on behalf of others, they are not only breaking federal law, they are putting lives at risk,” a spokesperson said.
Officials credited collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and federal investigators for tracing the weapons and building the case.
Broader Gun Violence Context
The sentencing comes amid ongoing debate over gun violence in Portland and across the country. City leaders have reported increases in shootings over the past several years, with many incidents involving illegally obtained firearms.
By prosecuting straw purchasers like Hilts, officials hope to send a message of deterrence while also interrupting supply chains that funnel weapons into the hands of violent offenders.
