Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg recently announced an indictment involving Jose Dominguez, a 50-year-old resident of Jacksonville, who faces charges related to making false statements during an attempted firearm purchase. If convicted, Dominguez could receive up to five years in federal prison, highlighting the severe repercussions of falsifying information to federally licensed firearms dealers.
Indictment Details and Previous Convictions
The indictment centers on Dominguez’s actions during his attempt to buy a firearm. He completed an ATF Form 4473, which is a critical piece of paperwork required during the purchase of a firearm from any federally licensed dealer. On this form, Dominguez falsely claimed that he had never been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence nor had he been convicted of any crime punishable by more than a year of imprisonment.
However, court records contradict Dominguez’s statements on the form. He was previously found guilty of misdemeanor domestic battery in Duval County and had been convicted of three other crimes in Miami-Dade County, each punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. These offenses included grand theft and two drug-related crimes, significantly undermining his reliability and eligibility to purchase firearms.
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The Role of NICS in Preventing Unlawful Purchases
This case was uncovered through the diligent work of the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). NICS denials are routinely reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily to assess potential criminal prosecutions. Making a false statement on firearm purchase documentation is a felony offense, demonstrating the system’s rigor in preventing firearm access by individuals who pose a legal or safety risk.
Project Safe Neighborhoods and Broader Impact
Dominguez’s case is also part of a larger initiative known as Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Launched to enhance community safety and reduce violent crime and gun violence, PSN collaborates across all levels of law enforcement and community organizations.
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The initiative emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations that help prevent violence, and setting focused enforcement priorities. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice reinforced this initiative by launching a violent crime reduction strategy that adheres to these principles.
Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams will lead the prosecution, supported by investigations from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
