NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is launching an initiative targeting illegal gun purchases, and the message is simple: "Don't Lie For the Other Guy."

It's a catchy phrase that comes with a warning from law enforcement: buying a gun for somebody else or giving them a gun without proper licensing is a crime.

"These illegal transactions are a pipeline for these weapons ending up in the hands of criminals," Special Agent Jason Stankiewicz with ATF said.

It's called straw purchasing, and it comes with a strong sentence of up to 15 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

The ATF Nashville Field Office is teaming up with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Tennessee, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in this campaign.

Officers said punishment could be worse if the gun is used for violence.

"If that person goes out, robs, shoots or kills someone, you can be charged as an accomplice," Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said.

Drake said this is also a reminder for people to lock up their guns.

This campaign has been around for 25 years.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/atf-targeting-illegal-gun-purchases-with-dont-lie-for-the-other-guy-campaign/