Rockford: 14-month sentence for straw purchases of 10 firearms

By Erick León

Cleshon Phipps, 24, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for buying 10 firearms between January 2023 and September 2024 for two people linked to gangs.

Phipps pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer. The sentence was imposed on October 14 and announced on October 19. By concealing the actual buyers, he enabled transactions that otherwise would have been blocked.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice: Rockford Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison for Straw Purchasing Firearms. Statement dated October 19, 2026.

Original Spanish article, published October 25, 2026.

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