Harrisburg Straw Buyer Sentenced to Prison
Deontrae Marquis Jackson received a 41-month prison sentence for his role in a illegal firearm conspiracy.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Judge Keli M. Neary sentenced 35-year-old Deontrae Marquis Jackson to 41 months in federal prison for his involvement in straw purchasing seven firearms. Jackson had previously fled while his case was pending before being apprehended by United States Marshals in Oregon.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a case involving a criminal conspiracy that funneled firearms to convicted felons through deceptive straw purchases. This action marks the end of a legal process that previously saw the sentencing of two co-defendants.
Deontrae Marquis Jackson was found guilty of conspiracy and providing false statements to firearms dealers. His sentence follows the 2022 and 2023 probationary sentences issued to co-defendants.
The players
Deontrae Marquis Jackson
He is a 35-year-old man convicted for his role in a straw purchasing conspiracy.
Keli M. Neary
She is the judge who presided over the sentencing of the defendant in Harrisburg.
United States Marshals
This federal agency is responsible for the apprehension of fugitives and served the warrant for Jackson's arrest in Oregon.
Alicia Butler-Sanchez
She is a co-defendant in the case who received a probationary sentence in 2022.
Olivia Johnson
She is a co-defendant in the case who received a probationary sentence in 2023.
The details
Jackson and his accomplices utilized individuals without criminal records to purchase firearms in Lancaster and York, Pennsylvania, which were then transferred to convicted felons. After fleeing the jurisdiction, Jackson was arrested by United States Marshals in Oregon approximately two years later.
Timeline
Between January and February 2021, Jackson attempted to purchase seven firearms.
Co-defendant Alicia Butler-Sanchez received a probationary sentence in 2022.
Co-defendant Olivia Johnson received a probationary sentence in 2023.
Deontrae Marquis Jackson was sentenced to prison on October 1, 2026.
Legal Context
This case highlights the ongoing federal crackdown on the illicit transfer of firearms to prohibited persons. The prosecution follows a pattern of aggressive legal action against individuals who facilitate the movement of weapons to convicted felons.
Residents of the Harrisburg area should note that this sentence concludes the prosecution of a group responsible for illegally arming prohibited individuals. The case reinforces local efforts to curb the presence of illegally obtained firearms in the community.
The takeaway
Straw purchasing creates a direct pipeline for firearms to reach convicted felons, which poses a significant threat to public safety. Legal authorities continue to prioritize the prosecution of these offenses to dismantle illegal gun trafficking networks.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the region, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
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