Artis

The question presented by this motion is whether showing a fake i.d. at a shooting range to use the range's guns for target practice can give rise to criminal liability for making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm from a federally licensed dealer. The answer is no, primarily because a shooting range is not a "licensed dealer" within the meaning of the federal gun control laws.

I.

The government is prosecuting Donnell Artis and his codefendants for a variety of federal crimes. Count three of the superseding indictment charges Artis with making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm from a licensed dealer in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922 (a)(6). According to the government, Artis went to a shooting range and temporarily obtained guns from the proprietor for use on the premises, even though he is a convicted felon who is barred under federal law from possessing firearms. 18 U.S.C. § 922 (g)(1). The government alleges that Artis showed the proprietor a fake i.d., presumably to avoid creating a paper trail that might later cause the authorities to discover his crime. Artis now moves to dismiss this count, contending that the conduct…