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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms FFL eZ CHECK FFL eZ CHECK EMBARGOED UNTIL SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AT 10:30 A.M. ATF CASE EXAMPLES Abuse of the Current License Verification Process After being informed by an ATF inspector that he could not renew his FFL because of local restrictions, Sean TWOMEY altered his expired license to change the expiration date. TWOMEY also made a second license using an alias. He sent copies of the altered license and the second false license to various gun distributors. One of the gun distributors noticed a problem with the license and contacted ATF. TWOMEY subsequently used the altered license to obtain more than 1,100 guns, which were trafficked throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. He made guns attractive to criminals, while concealing the trail to himself, by obliterating the serial numbers on most of the guns. The ATF Laboratory was able to raise some of the numbers, enabling the ATF National Tracing Center to provide key trace information leading to TWOMEY. To date, close to 50 TWOMEY guns have been traced after being recovered at crime scenes and from criminals. Guns illegally trafficked by TWOMEY have been used in multiple crimes including murder and bank robbery. TWOMEY is currently serving a 72-month sentence in Federal prison. Abuse of the Current License Verification Process Via the Internet In May of this year, a United Parcel Service (UPS) driver attempted to deliver a package to a residence in Montclair, New Jersey. He observed that the address was a residence, not a gun store as the label on the package indicated. Additionally, no adult was present to sign for the package, as required. The driver returned the package to the UPS facility. UPS contacted the sender and confirmed he was an FFL in Texas. The Texas FFL contacted the ATF Licensing Center in Georgia to determine whether the FFL in New Jersey was valid. Upon being told that it was not, the Texas FFL contacted ATF in New Jersey and informed agents of the situation. ATF took control of the package from UPS and with the assistance of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Postal Inspection Service, and the Montclair Police Department, conducted a controlled delivery of the package. Two juveniles were arrested after the controlled delivery and a State search warrant. ATF learned that the two juveniles in New Jersey altered an FFL they obtained from an FFL in Florida, whom they were able to dupe into believing they were licensed dealers. Once they obtained the FFL from the Florida dealer, they placed an order with the Texas FFL using a fictitious name and the real address of one of the students. The students admitted to altering a copy of a license and making four additional false FFLs. The juveniles also admitted to ordering four firearms via the Internet. Agents and investigators recovered all four firearms. - MORE - EMBARGOED UNTIL SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AT 10:30 A.M. The age of the offenders and the limited federal sentencing options led to the prosecution of the case in State court, where the sentencing judge has latitude to impose a custodial sentence. In July of this year, both defendants pled guilty to possession of a firearm by juvenile, forgery, and conspiracy. Abuse of the Current License Verification Process In February of 1999, a Tucson area FFL contacted ATF to report Mark S. FISCHER aka MS Firearms, for using an altered license to obtain a firearm from him. The false FFL number belonged to an FFL in New Orleans, Louisiana. The company name and shipping address were altered to reflect FISCHER's information in San Jose, California. A check of ATF Licensing records showed FISCHER held an FFL from 1988-1994 in Vancouver, Washington. An investigation revealed that FISCHER placed advertisements of firearms for sale in a popular firearms catalogue. He obtained FFLs and checks from prospective buyers for his advertised firearms and then returned the checks to the prospective buyers claiming some misfortune with the firearms. FISCHER kept the copies of the FFLs and was in the process of creating new fraudulent FFLs when he was caught. ATF also learned that FISCHER shipped two firearms directly to a non-licensee in New Jersey through a common carrier and listed the contents of the package as "machined parts." FISCHER signed a plea agreement, pled guilty to one count of Title 18, U.S.C. § 922e (to knowingly ship a firearm in interstate commerce without written notice to the carrier), and waived his rights to appeal. FISCHER was sentenced to 24 months Federal probation. EMBARGOED UNTIL SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 10:30 A.M. EMBARGOED UNTIL SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AT 10:30 A.M. Contact: (202) 622-2960, Treasury (202) 927-8500, ATF ATF WEB PAGE TO PREVENT USE OF FRAUDULENT FIREARM LICENSES The Treasury Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) will announce eZ Check - an online Federal firearms license authenticator web page that federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) can use to make sure that guns are shipped to other licensed dealers. In addition, ATF will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to require FFLs to verify the license by using eZ Check or calling ATF's National Licensing Center, and reporting invalid licenses to ATF. "Our goal is simple - to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and our youth," said Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers. "It is imperative that our Nation's children experience a childhood free of the threat of firearms violence. FFL eZ Check and ATF's other programs aimed at reducing illegal firearms trafficking and firearms violence are steps toward that goal." FFL eZ Check is the latest of ATF's many approaches to reducing firearms trafficking, this one involving the firearms industry in the prevention of violent crime. Under current Federal law, licensed dealers are only permitted to ship firearms to other licensed dealers. In recent incidents individuals have altered copies of Federal firearms licenses to illegally acquire and supply firearms to criminals and young people by mail and the Internet. With FFL eZ Check, a Federal firearms licensee can verify the legitimacy of the licensee with whom he/she is doing business with before shipping or disposing of the firearm. A user can access FFL eZ Check through ATF's web site and is given a series of prompts to verify the information shown on the license. If any piece of information on the license does not match the information on the screen, FFL eZ Check will instruct the user not to complete the sale and to contact ATF's National Licensing Center. Federal firearms licensees without Internet access may call ATF's National Licensing Center at (877) 560-2435 to obtain a verbal validation of the license. ATF Director Bradley A. Buckles added, "eZ Check is an innovative cyber-tool to help reduce illegal access to guns by criminals, juveniles, and gun traffickers. With these steps, the firearms industry and ATF will be better able to prevent illegal market gun transactions and help keep our streets safer." For more information about ATF visit: www.atf.treas.gov LS-903 PRESIDENT CLINTON UNVEILS TOOLS TO CRACK DOWN ON INTERNET GUN CRIMINALS AND CALLS FOR UNPRECEDENTED GUN ENFORCEMENT BUDGET September 23, 2000 In his radio address to the nation, President Clinton will announce new steps to help strengthen enforcement of federal firearms laws and the gun industry's role in reducing gun violence. First, the President will launch the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) "eZ Check" website, an online system designed to help ATF and the firearms industry prevent the use of fraudulent federal firearms licenses to illegally ship guns to children and criminals. Second, the President will announce new actions to require federally-licensed gun manufacturers, distributors and dealers ("licensees") to verify the validity of federal firearms licenses before transporting guns, and report individuals who use invalid licenses to the ATF. Finally, the President will call on Congress to provide even more tools for law enforcement to crack down on gun criminals by fully funding his $280 million National Gun Enforcement Initiative and passing stalled common sense gun safety legislation that can help keep guns out of the wrong hands. LAUNCHING THE NEW "eZ CHECK" SYSTEM. ATF's Federal Firearms License (FFL) eZ Check system will provide a quick and easy way to verify the validity of a federal firearms license online. By logging onto the eZ Check system at www.atf.treas.gov, a gun seller may submit a federal firearms license identification number and instantly receive information on the status and authenticity of the license. It is important for licensees to ensure they are selling to other legitimate license-holders because they are not required to run background checks before shipping guns to them. ATF's eZ Check will help licensees from unknowingly selling to criminals and juveniles who attempt to buy guns through the Internet, mail or classified ads using fraudulent licenses. Growing concerns about gun sales over the Internet. With approximately 80 online firearms auction sites and 4,000 firearm sales-related sites, including classified ads, personal ads and retail/wholesale firearms dealers, the potential for illegal firearms trafficking through fake licenses is greater than ever before. The eZ Check system will not only help members of the gun industry ensure that they are not selling their products to dangerous criminals, but will also help the ATF to better enforce our nation's gun laws. Fraudulent licenses used by traffickers and juveniles to get guns. Recent ATF investigations reveal how juveniles and illegal gun traffickers easily obtained firearms by using fraudulent licenses: Last May, two juveniles in Montclair, New Jersey were arrested after using a fraudulent license to order four firearms over the Internet from a gun dealer in Texas. They were caught when a UPS driver reported them to the police after observing that the guns were being delivered to a residence, instead of a gun store, and that no adults were present to sign for the package. The students later admitted to making four additional false licenses. Agents and investigators recovered all four firearms and the juveniles pled guilty in state court. An ATF investigation led to the federal prosecution of a former gun dealer for creating fraudulent licenses, one of which was used to obtain and illegally traffic over 1,100 guns in the San Francisco Bay Area. To date, nearly 50 of the trafficked guns have been recovered from crime scenes and criminals and have been used in multiple crimes including murder and bank robbery. The dealer is currently serving a 72-month sentence in federal prison. TAKING TOUGH EXECUTIVE ACTIONS TO KEEP GUNS OUT OF THE WRONG HANDS. In addition to launching the eZ Check system, the President will announce new actions to: 1) require licensed gun manufacturers, dealers and wholesalers to verify the validity of licenses before transporting firearms; and 2) notify ATF when they are presented with an invalid license. The Treasury Department will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which will require licensees to comply with the additional verification by accessing the eZ Check system or calling ATF's Licensing Center a toll free number 1-877-560-2435. Under current law, licensees are only required to obtain certified copies of licenses before making a shipment. Licensees are not currently required to take other measures to ensure that federal firearms licenses are valid or to report individuals who attempt to obtain guns using invalid licenses to law enforcement. These new measures will not only ensure the highest form of accountability from the gun industry, but will also aide in ATF's efforts to fully enforce federal firearms laws and to crack down on gun criminals and illegal traffickers. CALLING ON CONGRESS TO FULLY FUND THE LARGEST NATIONAL GUN ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE IN HISTORY. To significantly bolster enforcement of our gun laws, the President will urge Congress to fully fund his National Gun Enforcement Initiative. This unprecedented initiative would provide $280 million to fund over 1,000 federal, state and local gun prosecutors; hire 500 new ATF firearms agents and inspectors; expand crime gun tracing and ballistics testing; expand the Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative from 38 to 50 cities nationwide; provide $10 million for local anti-gun violence media campaigns; and provide $10 million for smart gun research. So far, Congress has provided no funding for key components of this initiative, including $150 million to hire 1,000 state and local gun prosecutors and smart gun research funding. These measures are critical to the Administration's efforts to take dangerous gun criminals off our streets and the President will call on Congress to make them a priority. URGING PASSAGE OF STALLED COMMON SENSE GUN LEGISLATION. In addition to providing more resources to strengthen gun enforcement, the President will urge the Congress to pass common sense gun safety legislation to help keep guns out of the wrong hands in the first place. This legislation, which passed in the Senate last year with a tie-breaking vote by Vice President Gore, would: help keep guns out of the wrong hands by closing the gun show loophole; mandating the sale of child safety locks with every handgun sold; banning the importation of high capacity ammunition clips; and barring the most violent juvenile offenders from possessing firearms as adults. ATF eZ CHECK System Question & Answer September 23, 2000 O: The new eZ CHECK system and executive actions announced in the radio address will require "licensees" to check the validity of the federal firearms licenses of other licensees before completing a sale, and provide them with an easily accessible system to fulfill this responsibility. What is a licensee? And, how are sales between licensees different than over-the- counter sales at gun stores to private persons that have to undergo Brady background checks? A: A licensee is a gun manufacturer, gun dealer or gun distributor that holds a valid federal firearms license issued by the ATF. In order to obtain a license, an individual must undergo a thorough background check, demonstrate that they are engaged in the business of dealing in firearms and pay a license fee. Licensees are the only persons allowed to legally transport firearms over state lines and through the mail, and they do not have to run Brady background checks on each other before completing a transaction. Sales between licensees are very different from sales between licensees and private persons. When a private person purchases a firearm from a licensed gun dealer, they must pass a Brady background check. In addition, private persons may not sell firearms over state lines or receive firearms through the mail -- these transactions must all be conducted through a licensed gun dealer. Thus, the new eZ CHECK system will prevent criminals and juveniles from using fraudulent licenses to illegally acquire firearms over the Internet, through the mail, over state lines and without background checks. DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT Statement by Deputy Secretary Stuart E. Eizenstat ATF eZ Check September 22, 2000 My name is Stuart Eizenstat, Deputy Secretary, and with me are Associate Attorney General Bea Witzleben, Under Secretary James E. Johnson, ATF Director Bradley A. Buckles, and the ATF employee who developed the system we are announcing today, Bob Hughes. We are here to provide a background briefing for President Clinton's Radio Address on Saturday. I will speak first, then Ms. Witzleben will speak, then we will respond to questions. The President will discuss Treasury's announcement of two actions by ATF: First, we will launch eZ Check, an online Federal firearms license authentication website, which will be used by Federally licensed firearms dealers to verify the licenses of individuals seeking to purchase firearms from them that would be shipped by mail. Second, we will issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to require that an FFL when selling or disposing of firearms to another licensed dealer, verify that the certified copy of the buyer's license is authentic by querying the web-based FFL eZ Check System, or contacting the ATF Licensing Center at a toll free number. The new rule would also require that the gun dealer notify ATF about any invalid licenses. These actions are part of our continuing effort to strengthen enforcement against diversion of guns to criminals and juveniles and to help the industry comply with the law. Over the past four years, ATF has documented that there is a sizable illegal market in guns fed by corrupt federally licensed dealers, straw purchasers, and unlicensed gun sellers among other kinds of gun traffickers. The Brady background check system is one cornerstone of our effort to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and other prohibited persons. ATF's efforts to enforce Federal laws against illegal sellers and buyers are another essential cornerstone. One way that guns are illegally diverted from licensed gun dealers to gun traffickers is through the use of fraudulent Federal firearms licenses. One blatant case occurred last May in New Jersey. Two juveniles altered an FFL they had obtained over the Internet from a Florida FFL whom they had duped into believing they were licensed dealers. Once they obtained the FFL from the Florida dealer, they placed an order for four firearms with a Texas dealer using a fictitious name and the real address of one of the students. While UPS raised alarms with ATF, and investigators intercepted the guns, this case serves as a warning that the Internet represents a potential new access to illegal transactions in guns. And this initiative responds to that warning. Through the actions we are taking today, we will make it more difficult for traffickers and criminal users to use fraudulent licenses to gain access to firearms from federally licensed dealers. Now Associate Attorney General Witzleben will speak and then we will respond to any questions you may have. Announcement of Two Steps to Combat The Use of Fraudulent Firearms Licenses The Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is taking two new steps to combat the use of fraudulent firearms licenses by traffickers who supply guns to criminals and juveniles. First, we are launching "FFL eZ Check," an online Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) authenticator web site. The system is designed to aid ATF and the firearms industry in preventing use of fraudulent Federal firearms licenses to illegally acquire and supply firearms to criminals, juveniles, and other persons prohibited from possessing firearms. The system, linked to the ATF website, enables a licensee who has received a copy of a Federal firearms license to verify or authenticate the license before shipping or disposing of a firearm to another licensee. Second, in connection with the launching of eZ Check, we will be proposing regulations to require that an FFL when selling or disposing of firearms to another FFL not only obtain a certified copy of the transferee's license as currently required, but also seek additional licensee verification by querying the web-based "FFL eZ Check System" or contacting the ATF's Licensing Center at a toll-free number. Furthermore, licensees will be required to notify ATF if a query results in a determination that the license of the prospective buyer is invalid. BACKGROUND: FFL EZ Check: A current regulation (27 C.F.R. 178.94) requires that an FFL selling or otherwise disposing of firearms to another FFL verify the identity and license status of the transferee prior to making the transfer. This is accomplished by the transferee furnishing the seller a certified copy of their FFL. Sometimes, firearms traffickers use fraudulent FFLs to gain access to firearms available from the firearms industry. In addition, in recent years, the Internet, an anonymous, easily accessible vehicle for both licensed and non-licensed dealers to advertise firearms for sale, has heightened concerns that the longstanding verification process used by FFLs has been rendered inadequate given the increasingly easy manipulation of data. With approximately 80 online firearm auction sites that advertise the sale of firearms, and approximately 4,000 firearm sales related sites, including classified ads, personal ads, and retail/wholesale firearm dealers, the potential for illegal firearms trafficking through falsified documents looms larger. ATF CASE EXAMPLES Abuse of the Current License Verification Process After being informed by an ATF inspector that he could not renew his FFL because of local restrictions, Sean TWOMEY altered his expired license to change the expiration date. TWOMEY also made a second license using an alias. He sent copies of the altered license and the second false license to various gun distributors. One of the gun distributors noticed a problem with the license and contacted ATF. ATF contacted TWOMEY and warned him through an attorney of the seriousness of making a false statement to obtain firearms. Despite the warnings, TWOMEY subsequently used the altered license to obtain more than 1,100 guns, which were trafficked throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. He made guns attractive to criminals, while concealing the trail to himself, by obliterating the serial numbers on most of the guns. The ATF Laboratory was able to raise some of the numbers, enabling the ATF National Tracing Center to provide key trace information leading to TWOMEY. To date, close to 50 TWOMEY guns have been traced after being recovered at crime scenes and from criminals. Guns illegally trafficked by TWOMEY have been used in multiple crimes including murder and bank robbery. TWOMEY is currently serving a 72-month sentence in Federal prison. Abuse of the Current License Verification Process Via the Internet In May of this year, a United Parcel Service (UPS) driver attempted to deliver a package to a residence in Montclair, New Jersey. He observed that the address was a residence, not a gun store as the label on the package indicated. Additionally, no adult was present to sign for the package, as required. The driver returned the package to the UPS facility. UPS contacted the sender and confirmed he was an FFL in Texas. The Texas FFL contacted the ATF Licensing Center in Georgia to determine whether the FFL in New Jersey was valid. Upon being told that it was not, the Texas FFL contacted ATF in New Jersey and informed agents of the situation. ATF took control of the package from UPS and with the assistance of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Postal Inspection Service, and the Montclair Police Department, conducted a controlled delivery of the package. Two juveniles were arrested after the controlled delivery and a State search warrant. ATF learned that the two juveniles in New Jersey altered an FFL they obtained from an FFL in Florida, whom they were able to dupe into believing they were licensed dealers. Once they obtained the FFL from the Florida dealer, they placed an order with the Texas FFL using a fictitious name and the real address of one of the students. The students admitted to altering a copy of a license and making four additional false FFLs. The juveniles also admitted to ordering four firearms via the Internet. Agents and investigators recovered all four firearms. The age of the offenders and the limited federal sentencing options led to the prosecution of the case in State court, where the sentencing judge has latitude to impose a custodial sentence. In July of this year, both defendants pled guilty to possession of a firearm by juvenile, forgery, and conspiracy. Their sentence included curfew provisions and probation for one year. Abuse of the Current License Verification Process In February of 1999, a Tucson area FFL contacted ATF to report Mark S. FISCHER aka MS Firearms, for using an altered license to obtain a firearm from him. The false FFL number belonged to an FFL in New Orleans, Louisiana. The company name and shipping address were altered to reflect FISCHER's information in San Jose, California. A check of ATF Licensing records showed FISCHER held an FFL from 1988-1994 in Vancouver, Washington. An investigation revealed that FISCHER placed advertisements of firearms for sale in a popular firearms catalogue. He obtained FFLs and checks from prospective buyers for his advertised firearms and then returned the checks to the prospective buyers claiming some misfortune with the firearms. FISCHER kept the copies of the FFLs and was in the process of creating new fraudulent FFLs when he was caught. ATF also learned that FISCHER shipped two firearms directly to a non- licensee in New Jersey through a common carrier and listed the contents of the package as "machined parts." FISCHER signed a plea agreement, pled guilty to one count of Title 18, U.S.C. § 922e (to knowingly ship a firearm in interstate commerce without written notice to the carrier), and waived his rights to appeal. FISCHER was sentenced to 24 months Federal probation. FFL eZ Check Questions and Answers What is the President announcing today? The President is announcing two new steps to combat the use of fraudulent firearms licenses by traffickers who supply guns to criminals and juveniles. First, the Treasury Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are launching ATF S "FFL eZ Check," an online Federal Firearms Licensee authenticator website. Second, we are announcing the issuance of a proposed rule to: first, require that an FFL when selling or disposing of firearms to another FFL, verify that the certified copy of the buyer's license is authentic by querying the web-based "FFL eZ Check" System," or contacting the ATF Licensing Center at a toll free number; and second, require that Federal firearms licensees notify ATF about the fraudulent licenses. What is the purpose of FFL eZ Check and the proposed regulation? The purpose of the online "FFL eZ Check" and the related regulation is twofold: to establish specific steps for the firearms industry to take to prevent the fraudulent use of their licenses by individuals who alter copies of licenses to illegally acquire and supply firearms to criminals and youths, and to enable ATF to better prevent and enforce laws against this type of violation. What does the new proposed regulation do and how does it differ from the existing rule? Current regulations require that Federal firearms licensees obtain a certified copy of the license from a licensee wishing to acquire firearms. This process is not foolproof. Even without the proposed rule, FFL eZ Check supplements this requirement by providing a more effective means of verification. Under the new regulation, the Federal firearms licensee seller, in addition to obtaining the certified copy of the buyer's license, would have to verify its authenticity by querying ATF either through FFL eZ Check or a toll free number. FFLs would also have to actually report any invalid licenses. What is the problem that these actions address? Firearms traffickers sometimes use fraudulent FFLs to obtain firearms available from legitimate firearms licensees. Transfers between licensees are made without any Brady checks and can involve interstate shipment. In addition, in recent years, the Internet offers an anonymous, easily accessible vehicle for both licensed and non- licensed dealers to advertise firearms for sale. This technology has made the use of fraudulent licenses easier for those who wish to circumvent our firearms laws. What is an example of the type of problem? A prime example is the case this past May where two juveniles in Montclair, New Jersey, altered an FFL they had obtained over the Internet from an FFL in Florida whom they had duped into believing they were licensed dealers. Once they obtained the FFL from the Florida dealer, they placed an order with a Texas dealer using a fictitious name and the real address of one of the students. They obtained four firearms this way. (The age of the offenders and the limited federal sentencing options led to the prosecution of the case in State court, where the sentencing judge has latitude to impose a custodial sentence.) In state court in July, the juveniles pled guilty to possession of a firearm, forgery, and conspiracy. Their sentence included one year probation and curfew provisions. Agents and investigators recovered all four firearms. How big a problem is Internet gun trafficking? With approximately 80 online firearm auction sites that advertise the sale of firearms, and approximately 4,000 firearm sales related sites, including classified ads, personal ads, and retail/wholesale firearm dealers, the potential for illegal firearms trafficking through falsified documents is very real. When will the proposed rule go into effect? We are still in the preliminary rulemaking phase. It will take several months for the final rule to be issued. What happens if a Federal firearms licensee has not verified a licensee to whom he has sold a firearm and that firearm has been used in a crime? When the rule goes into effect, ATF will have the power to revoke the license of the FFL that violates the rule. As you know, the Administration is seeking authority from Congress to authorize ATF to take alternative intermediate actions, including license suspensions and fining of FFLs who violate Federal regulations. Do the system and the rule affect unlicensed gun sellers or only federally licensed dealers? They affect both federally licensed dealers who have to verify the licenses, and unlicensed individuals who would attempt to use fraudulent Federal firearms licenses to illegally acquire firearms for their own use or for illegal sale to others. What firearms enforcement programs are in ATF's Budget and what is the status? The Administration's initiative provides a record $280 million increase for firearms enforcement in the FY 2001 budget. Approximately $93 million of the initiative is for four ATF firearms enforcement programs. These four ATF firearms initiatives would provide 300 new agents and 200 new inspectors for firearms enforcement. (Currently there are 1,971 agents and 826 inspectors, but not all of these are devoted to firearms enforcement.) The four initiatives are: The Integrated Violence Reduction Strategy ($41m), which supports local enforcement programs like Boston's Ceasefire and Richmond's Exile, and includes 385 new agents, inspectors and others; The Youth Crime Gun Interdiction Initiative ($19m), a youth-focused enforcement strategy using crime gun tracing to identify young offenders and illegal suppliers, which includes 226 new agents, inspectors, and others; Expansion of crime gun tracing ($9.9m), a joint effort with police departments which uses serial numbers and other information to track crime guns to criminal users and gun traffickers; Expansion of the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network ($23m), a joint effort with other Federal and State/local law enforcement agencies to create and store ballistics images, capture them in a computer database, connect them to a specific firearm used in crime, and associate them with particular shooters and illegal suppliers of firearms. The combined Treasury-Postal and Legislative Branch Conference Report includes full funding for the ATF firearms enforcement initiatives. However, following last week's House passage of the Conference Report, the Senate on Wednesday (9/13) unexpectedly defeated the package (69-28). The Senate consensus to reject the conference report was not based on the firearms provisions. A motion to reconsider was immediately entered and concurred with following the vote. This allows the bill to be brought back up for approval after a deal is negotiated among Members and the Administration. We do not expect any change in the decision to fully fund the firearms enforcement provisions as these negotiations progress. MORE DETAIL ON eZ CHECK How does FFL eZ Check work? A Federal firearms licensee (Dealer A) wishes to purchase firearms from another Federal firearms licensee (Dealer B). Dealer A provides Dealer B by mail with a certified copy of his/her Federal firearms license. Dealer B will access FFL eZ Check through the ATF web site located on the Internet. On eZ Check, Dealer B enters the first three and the last five digits of the FFL number from the certified copy of Dealer A's license. If the FFL number is valid, FFL eZ Check will display the results of the query, including the name, trade name, expiration date, premises address, and mailing address for the FFL, which can then be checked against the license Dealer A is providing. If web access is not available, Dealer B will verify the license with the ATF Licensing Center by telephone at 1-877-560-2435. What should a licensee do if the information on the copy of the FFL does not match the information provided by FFL eZ Check? If the information provided by FFL eZ Check is not consistent with the certified copy of the license, the dealer should first verify that the correct FFL number was entered in FFL eZ Check. If so, the dealer should not complete the transaction without contacting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms' (ATF) National Licensing Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The Center's hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Dealers who have general questions about the FFL eZ Check web site or the information displayed from a query, should complete the "Problem Report" form at the end of the web site. This allows them to submit information or questions to ATF electronically. Licensees should indicate on the form if they desire a reply from ATF. How can a licensee without Internet access use FFL eZ Check? Licensees without Internet access should call the National Licensing Center at 1-877- 560-2435 to verify a license. The Licensing Center's hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Under current regulations, the licensee also may rely on visual inspection of the certified copy of the license, but this is the least preferred method of verification. What is the response time for eZ Check? eZ Check is designed to provide an immediate response. Can anyone use/access it? The purpose of this system is to enable Federal firearms licensees to verify the validity of a license before they ship firearms to that licensee. However, anyone can access the site. ATF Online - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Website http://www.atf.treas.gov/fl/ SUREAU OF AND ALCOHOL TOBACCO Main Areas Alcohol Tobacco a Firearms Arson & Explosives Breaking News Laboratories R FFL eZ Check What's New About ATF Washington - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Pressroom announces the launching of "FFL eZ Check" - an online Federal Photo Archive firearms license (FFL) authenticator web site. Field Divisions Jobs ATF is reaching out to strengthen and develop new working relationships with the firearms industry and consumers. Online "FFL eZ Most Wanted Check" was created to aid the firearms industry in preventing the Forms fraudulent use of their licenses by individuals altering a copy of a license Regulations to illegally acquire and supply firearms to criminals and youth. Go to Publications open letter and press release Training Search Accountability Report - Fiscal Year 1999 Contact ATF Site Map This report marks the fifth year that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) has Related Sites prepared an Accountability Report. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has issued an Freedom Of Information "unqualified opinion" on ATF's 1999 financial Federal Register statements. FFL eZ Check The report includes messages from ATF's Director ATF Kids and Chief Financial Officer, FY 1999 Highlights, G.R.E.A.T. Management's Discussion and Analysis, Report of InterFIRE Independent Accountants on the financial statements, ATF's financial AEXIS statements, related notes and required supplementary information. The employees of ATF are proud to dedicate this report and the NIBIN accomplishments described herein to Director John W. Magaw who leaves ATF as its Director for the past six years. Goto report Report -- FOLLOWING THE GUN: ENFORCING 1 of 3 7/24/00 12:15 PM ATF Online http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/index.htm FIREARMS Assault Rifles Brady Law/NICS I Curios/Relic Domestic Violence FAQs I F & E Imports Branch FFL List Information Legal Newsletter National Firearms Act NIBIN Programs Main Areas Records Regulations Serial #s Youth Crime Alcohol Tobacco Firearms Programs Firearms Arson & Explosives ATF recognizes the role that firearms play Laboratories What's New in violent crimes and pursues an integrated regulatory and enforcement strategy. Open Letter to Federally Licensed Firearms Home Investigative priorities focus on armed Importers and Registered violent offenders and career criminals, Importers of U.S. Munitions What's New narcotics traffickers, narco-terrorists, violent Import List Articles About ATF gangs, and domestic and intenational arms Report: Following the aun Pressroom traffickers. I.D. 426 Title: Photo Archive Implementation of the Model Field Divisions Sections 924(c) and (e) of Title 18 of the Regulations for the Control of the International United States Code provide mandatory and Jobs Movement of Firearms. enhanced sentencing guidelines for armed Their Parts and Most Wanted career criminals and narcotics traffickers as Components and Forms well as other dangerous armed criminals. Ammunition ATF uses these statutes to target, Press Release Regulations investigate and recommend prosecution of Implementation of the Model Publications Regulations these offenders to reduce the level of Training violent crime and to enhance public safety. National Licensing Center ATF also strives to increase State and local Quick Reference to awareness of available Federal prosecution Federal Firearms Laws Search under these statutes. Annual Firearms Contact ATF Manufacturing & Exportation Report - 1998 Site Map To curb the illegal use of firearms and enforce the Federal firearms laws, ATF issues firearms licenses and Related Sites conducts firearms licensee qualification and compliance inspections. Freedom Of Information In addition to aiding the enforcement of Federal requirements for gun purchases, compliance inspections of existing licensees focus on Federal Register assisting law enforcement to identify and apprehend criminals who ATF Kids illegally purchase firearms. The inspections also help improve the GREAT likelihood that crime gun traces will be successful, since inspectors educate licensees in proper record keeping and business practices. InterFIRE Compliance inspections target licensees likely to divert firearms from AEXIS legitimate trade to criminal use and dealers with a history of poor NIBIN compliance. 1 of 2 7/24/00 12:48 PM FFLV Web http://204.254.113.253/atf/ AND OF LADIDL TRIPAGO Online FFLieZ Check Monday, July 24, 2000 The purpose of this program is to allow an FFL or other user to verify that a Federal Firearms License (FFL) is valid The user need only enter the first 3 digits and the last 5 digits of the FFL being verified in the blocks provided and click on SUBMIT. Clicking the RESET button will clear previously entered data. Enter the FFL Number: 1 59 - XXX - XX- - XX - 46775 FFL Number Example 9 - 99 - XXX XX - XX X 99999 Submit Reset 1 of 1 7/24/00 12:16 PM FFLV Web http://204.254.113.253/atf/Result.asp AL STATE TOBACCO Online FFLICE Check Monday, July 24, 2000 Warning: No one may use this screen, in lieu of the required certified copy of a Federal Firearms License, to acquire a firearm License Number: 159XXXXXXX46775 Expiration Date: 12/1/02 License Name: JONAS AIRCRAFT & ARMS CO INC Trade Name: Premise Address: CHAPEL TRAIL COMMERCE CEN911 NW 209 AVE #113-124 PEMBROKE PINES FL 330290000 Mailing Address: CHAPEL TRAIL COMMERCE CEN911 NE 209 AVE #113-124 PEMBROKE PINES FL 330290000 NOTE: In the event all of the information on the license you are verifying does not match the information displayed above or if the license has expired there is a possibility that this may be an attempt at a fraudulent transaction. You should not complete the transaction without first contacting ATF at 1-877-560-2435 for assistance. The data obtained from this site is not a substitute for a certified copy of the license If you have general questions concerning this web site, or the information displayed above please contact ATF using the Problem Report link provided at the end of the page: Click Problem Report to Report errors to ATF. The data provided above was last updated on: 07/13/2000 1 of 1 7/24/00 12:17 PM FFLV Web http://204.254.113.253/atf/Result.asp LEDHOL TOBACCO Online FFLieZ Check Monday, July 24, 2000 THIS LICENSE IS EXPIRED. If you have been provided with a letter of continuing authorization as well as a copy of a FFL, read the note below License Number: 992XXXXXXX67603 Expiration Date: Expire Date 3/1/00. License Name: BLEIMILLER, PAUL ALFRED Trade Name: Premise Address: 4622 E6 ANCHORAGE AK 995080000 Mailing Address: 4622 E6 ANCHORAGE AK 995080000 NOTE: Our records indicate that the license you are verifying has expired. If you have been provided a copy of a current Letter of Continuing Authorization (LOA), authorizing the licensee to continue operations and the address information on this screen matches the FFL copy, you may complete the transaction. If you were not furnished a current LOA with the certified copy of the FFL there is aistrong possibility that the FFL you are attempting to verify is invalid and/or this may be an attempt at a fraudulent transaction. You should not complete the transaction without first contacting ATF at 1-877-560-2435 If you have general questions concerning this web site, or the information displayed above, please contact ATF using the Problem Report link provided at the end of the page. Click Problem Report to Report errors to ATF. The data provided above was last updated on: 07/13/2000 l of 1 7/24/00 12:17 PM FFLV Web http://204.254.113.253/atf/Result.asp MEDICAL TOMAGED Online FFLeZ/Check Monday, July 24, 2000 Error You Entered FFL Number: 1-59-XXX-XX-XX-00001 If you are certain you entered the correct license number, there is a strong possibility that the FFL you are attempting to verify is invalid and/or this may be an attempt at a fraudulent transaction. You should not complete the transaction without first contacting ATF at 1-877-560-2435 for assistance. If you only have general questions concerning this web site, or the information displayed above, please contact ATF using the Problem Report link provided at the end of this page. Click Problem Report to Report errors to ATF. 1 of 1 7/24/00 12:18 PM Alston-Williams, Lee From: [email protected] Sent: Monday, July 24, 2000 12:18 PM To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: FFLV WEB Problem Request. Importance: Low FFL Number:159XXXXXXX00001 License Number is Not Found. Mailing address differs from what is printed on the license. Premise address differs from what is printed on the license. License has expired. Contact Information: e-mail:[email protected] Name:Robert Hughes Phone Number:202-927-7231 Description:Lee, this is a test for the demonstation today 7/24/2000 1 FFLV Web http://204.254.113.253/atf/count/Counter.asp OHIOL TOBACCO STATES MUNY Online FLeZ Check Monday, July 24,2000 Date Successful Query UnSuccessful Query 07/17/2000 1 3 07/18/2000 5 8 07/19/2000 7 2 07/20/2000 0 1 07/24/2000 9 5 Total Query:41 22 19 1 of 1 7/24/00 12:35 PM FFLV Web http://204.254.113.253/atf/count/DtlCounter.asp?CDate=07/24/200 TOBACCO WINEAU OF VARIAUS Online FiFtrez Check Monday, July 24, 2000 Successful Queries Performed on Date: 07/24/2000 Time IP Address 1 08:43:22 204.254.112:2 2 09:24:14 199.196.144.13 3 09:24:56 199.196.144.13 4 11:58:39 172.163.169.229 5 11:59:14 172.163.169.229 6 12:12:41 172.139.60.134 7 12:13:08 172.139.60.134 8 12:13:15 199.196.144.12 9 12:14:09 199.196.144.12 Unsuccessful Queries Performed on Date: 07/24/2000 Time IP Address 1 09:25:20 199.196.144.13 2 11:59:35 172.163.169.229 3 12:13:27 172.139.60 4 12:15:01 199.196 144.12 5 12:21:48 199.196.144:12 1 of 1 7/24/00 12:35 PM ATF Online - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Website http://www.atf.treas.gov/indexold.htm MEOHOL TOBACCO Authenticate your AND Federal Firearms License (FFL) OF BUREAUP Main Areas Alcohol Ontine Tobacco Firearms Arson & Explosives Breaking News Laboratories FFL eZ Check What's New About ATF Washington - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Pressroom announces the launching of "FFL eZ Check" - an online Federal firearms license (FFL) authenticator web site. Photo Archive Field Divisions ATF is reaching out to strengthen and develop new working Jobs relationships with the firearms industry and consumers. Online "FFL eZ Check" was created to aid the firearms industry in preventing the Most Wanted fraudulent use of their licenses by individuals altering a copy of a Forms license to illegally acquire and supply firearms to criminals and youth. Regulations Go to open letter and press release Publications Training Accountability Report - Fiscal Year 1999 Search Contact ATF This report marks the fifth year that the Bureau of Site Map Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) has prepared an Accountability Report. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has issued an Related Sites "unqualified opinion" on ATF's 1999 financial statements. Freedom Of Information The report includes messages from ATF's Federal Register Director and Chief Financial Officer, FY 1999 FFL eZ Check Highlights, Management's Discussion and ATF Kids Analysis, Report of Independent Accountants on the financial statements, ATF's financial statements, related notes and G.R.E.A.T. required supplementary information. The employees of ATF are proud InterFIRE to dedicate this report and the accomplishments described herein to AEXIS Director John W. Magaw who leaves ATF as its Director for the past six years. Go to report NIBIN Report -- FOLLOWING THE GUN: ENFORCING FEDERAL LAWS AGAINST FIREARMS TRAFFICKERS 1 of 3 7/19/00 11:23 AM ATF Online http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/index.html TOBACCO FIREARMS SKR Assault Rifles Brady Law/NICS Curios/Relic Domestic Violence FAQs F & E Imports Branch FFL List Information I Legal Newsletter National Firearms Act NIBIN Programs Main Areas Records Regulations Serial #s Youth Crime Alcohol Tobacco Firearms Programs Firearms Arson & Explosives ATF recognizes the role that firearms play Laboratories What's New in violent crimes and pursues an integrated regulatory and enforcement strategy. Open Letter to Federally Licensed Firearms Home Investigative priorities focus on armed Importers and Registered violent offenders and career criminals, Importers of U.S. Munitions What's New narcotics traffickers, narco-terrorists, violent Import List Articles About ATF gangs, and domestic and intenational arms Report: Following the oun Pressroom traffickers. T.D 426 Title: Photo Archive Implementation of the Model Field Divisions Sections 924(c) and (e) of Title 18 of the Regulations for the Control United States Code provide mandatory and of the International Jobs Movement of Firearms. enhanced sentencing guidelines for armed Their Parts and Most Wanted career criminals and narcotics traffickers as Components and Forms well as other dangerous armed criminals. Ammunition Regulations ATF uses these statutes to target, Press Release- investigate and recommend prosecution of Implementation of the Model Publications Regulations these offenders to reduce the level of Training violent crime and to enhance public safety. National Licensing Center ATF also strives to increase State and local Quick Reference to awareness of available Federal prosecution Federal Firearms Laws Search under these statutes. Annual Firearms Contact ATF Manufacturing & Exportation Report 1998 Site Map a To curb the illegal use of firearms and enforce the Federal firearms laws, ATF issues firearms licenses and Related Sites conducts firearms licensee qualification and compliance inspections. In addition to aiding the enforcement of Federal requirements for gun Freedom Of Information purchases, compliance inspections of existing licensees focus on Federal Register assisting law enforcement to identify and apprehend criminals who ATF Kids illegally purchase firearms. The inspections also help improve the G.R.E.A.T. likelihood that crime gun traces will be successful, since inspectors educate licensees in proper record keeping and business practices. InterFIRE Compliance inspections target licensees likely to divert firearms from AEXIS legitimate trade to criminal use and dealers with a history of poor NIBIN compliance. 1 of 2 7/19/00 12:03 PM FFLV Web http://204.254.112.231/atf/ NY COLLOR ALCOHOL TOBACCO Online FFLe2 Check Wednesday, July 19, 2000 The purpose of this program is to allow an FFL or other user to verify that a Federal Firearms License (FFL) is valid. The user need only enter the first 3 digits and the last 5 digits of the FFL being verified in the blocks provided and click on SUBMIT. Clicking the RESET button will clear previously entered data. Enter the FFL Number: 59 XXX - XX XX 46775 FFL Number Example 9 99 XXX XX - XX - 99999 Submit Reset I of 1 7/19/00 12:10 PM FFLV Web http://204.254.112.231/atf/Result.asp TOBACCO CO ) Online FFL BK Check Wednesday, July 19, 2000 Warning: No one may use this screen, in lieu of the required certified copy of a Federal Firemans License, to acquire a firearm License Number: 159XXXXXXX46775 Expiration Date: 12/1/02 License Name: JONAS AIRCRAFT & ARMS CO INC Trade Name: Premise Address: CHAPEL TRAIL COMMERCE CEN911 NW 209 AVE #113-124 PEMBROKE PINES FL 330290000 Mailing Address: CHAPEL TRAIL COMMERCE CEN911 NE 209 AVE #113-124 PEMBROKE PINES FL. 330290000 NOTE: In the event all of the information on the license you are verifying does not match the information displayed above, or if the license has expired, there is a possibility that this may be an attempt at a fraudulent.transaction You should not-complete the transaction without first contacting ATF at 1-877-560-2435 for assistance. The data obtained from this site is not a substitute for a certified copy of the license If you have general questions concerning this web site, or the information displayed above, please contact ATF using the Problem Report link provided at the end of the page. Click Problem Report to Report errors to ATF. The data provided above was last updated on: 07/13/2000 lofl 7/19/00 12:11 PM FFLV Web http://204.254.112.231/atf/Result.asp TOBACCO VERIFICA ON STATEMENT Online FFL.eZ Check Wednesday, July 19, 2000 THIS LICENSE IS EXPIRED. If you have been provided with a letter of continuing authorization as well as a copy of a FFL, read the note below. License Number: 992XXXXXXX67603 Expiration Date: Expire Date 3/1/00 License Name: BLEIMILLER, PAUL ALFRED Trade Name: Premise Address: 4622 E 6 ANCHORAGE AK 995080000 Mailing Address: 4622 E6 ANCHORAGE AK 995080000 NOTE: Our records indicate that the license you are verifying has expired. If you have been provided a copy of a current Letter of Continuing Authorization (LOA), authorizing the licensee to continue operations and the address information on this screen matches the FFL copy you may complete the transaction If you were not furnished a current LOA with the certified copy of the FFL there is a strong possibility that the FFL you are attempting to verify is invalid and/or this may be an attempt at a fraudulent transaction. You should not complete the transaction without first contacting ATF at 1-877-560-2435 If you have general questions concerning this web site; or the information displayed above please contact ATF using the Problem Report link provided at the end of the page. Click Problem Report to Report errors to ATF. The data provided above was last updated on: 07/13/2000 1 of 1 7/19/00 12:12 PM FFLV Web http://204.254.112.231/atf/Result.asp DEPARTMENT TODACCO DEPARTMENT Online FFL ez Check Wednesday, July 19, 2000 Error You Entered FFL Number: -59-XXX-XX-XX-00001 If you are certain you entered the correct license number, there is a strong possibility that the FFL you are attempting to verify is invalid and/or this may be an attempt at a fraudulent transaction. You should not complete the transaction without first contacting ATF at 1-877-560-2435 for assistance. If you only have general questions concerning this web site, or the information displayed above, please contact ATF using the Problem Report link provided at the end of this page. Click Problem Report to Report errors to ATF. 1 of 1 7/19/00 12:23 PM FFLV Web http://204.254.112.231/atf/Report.asp?FFL=992XXXXXXX67603 TOBACCO WINEAU CE ALCOHOL Online FFL'e? FIFE Check Wednesday, July 19, 2000 FFL Number : 992XXXXXXX67603 Select a Problem Type License Number not found. Mailing address differs from what is printed on the license. Premise address differs from what is printed on the license. License has expired. Other, state problem Lee this is a test for the demonstration today 7/19/2000. Please forward to me via the e-mail. If you desire a reply to the problem you reported, check the button and provide your e-mail address or your name and phone number. E-Mail Address: rjhughes@atfhq atf to Name: Robert Hughes Phone Number: 202-927-7231 Submit Reset 1 of 1 7/19/00 12:15 PM Alston-Williams, Lee From: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2000 11:38 AM To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: FFLV WEB Problem Request. Importance: Low FFL Number:892XXXXXXX67603 License Number is Not Found. Mailing address differs from what is printed on the license. Premise address differs from what is printed on the license. License has expired. Contact Information: e-mail:[email protected]. Name:Robert Hughes Phone Number:202-927-7231 Description:Lee, This is a test for the demonstration today 7/19/2000. Please forward to me via the e-mail. 1 FFLV Web http://204.254.113.253/atf/count/Counter.asp TOBACCO THE OF VERIFICA Online FFLie Z'Check', Wednesday, July 19, 2000 Date Successful Query UnSuccessful Query 07/17/2000 7 3 07/18/2000 5 8 07/19/2000 3 1 Total Query 27 15 12 1 of 1 7/19/00 12:20 PM FFLV Web http://204.254.113.253/atf/count/DtlCounter.asp?CDate=07/19/200 COMMIT TOTALITY INIFIREA RMS Online FFL e -Check Wednesday, July 19, 2000 Successful Queries Performed on Date: 07/19/2000 Time IP Address 11:15:35 199.196 144.13 2 11:20:15 199.196 144.13 3 11:31:52 199 196 144.13 Unsuccessful Queries Performed on Date: 07/19/2000 Time IP Address 1 11:32:18 199.196.144.13 1 of 1 7/19/00 12:20 PM