Man Gets Probation in Gun Trafficking Case
Alexander E. Jones, 34, of Kenmore, New York, received six years of probation after pleading guilty to firearm-related conspiracy charges.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Crime — General
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Alexander E. Jones was sentenced to five years of probation for conspiracy involving lending or giving prohibited firearms, plus one year of probation on a separate false-statement plea, and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. Julia Rose Carter pleaded guilty to related firearm conspiracy charges in September.
Why it matters
The case shows how straw purchases of firearms allegedly made through Warren County businesses can lead to prosecutions across Western New York. Charges against both defendants were changed during the case, and none of the felony charges were prosecuted.
Jones received five years of probation on the conspiracy plea with credit for 128 days, plus one year on the false-statement plea and a $5,000 fine. Carter's sentencing status was not described in the source material.
The players
Alexander E. Jones
A 34-year-old Kenmore, New York man who was sentenced to probation and a fine after pleading guilty to firearm conspiracy and false-statement charges.
Julia Rose Carter
A Warren-area woman who pleaded guilty in September to firearm conspiracy charges tied to straw purchases for Jones.
The details
Jones and Julia Rose Carter were charged after a February 18 domestic incident, when Carter allegedly told police she had bought five firearms for Jones at Dunham's Sports and Tall Tales Sporting Goods in Warren. Carter allegedly bought another gun on February 28, 2026, after being warned it was against the law, and said Jones threatened her when she refused to buy more.
Timeline
March 18, 2025 through Feb. 28, 2026: Period in which Carter allegedly completed firearm purchase paperwork.
February 18, 2026: Domestic incident between Carter and Jones.
April 2026: Jones and Carter were initially charged.
September 2026: Jones and Carter pleaded guilty.
Legal Context
Straw purchase cases like this one are prosecuted under federal firearms law, which bars buying guns on behalf of people legally prohibited from owning them. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives task force in the Erie area led the investigation, reflecting how federal agencies handle interstate gun trafficking in New York.
Gun dealers and residents in Warren County and Western New York are reminded that buying firearms for another person can bring federal charges. The case underscores that straw purchases through local sporting goods stores are subject to prosecution.
The takeaway
Buying a firearm for someone who cannot legally own one is a federal crime, even when the purchase is paperwork-complete. Anyone facing threats tied to such purchases should contact local law enforcement.
Further reading
For more on related cases, browse Crime — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post-journal.
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