The man who provided the gun that killed fallen Detroit police officer Loren Courts has been sentenced to two years in prison.
Sheldon Thomas, 27, was sentenced Tuesday (April 4) for purchasing a Draco pistol for his friend Ehmani Davis, who used the gun in the killing of Courts.
The 27-year-old who bought the gun in Eastpointe admitted to lying to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) by falsely certifying that he was the buyer of the weapon when he knew he was purchasing for Davis.
Thomas gave Davis the gun on the day of the purchase and admitted that Davis gave him the money to buy the weapon. Thomas also admitted that he made multiple attempts to buy the gun for Davis.
“The tragic death of Detroit Police Officer Loren Courts is another terrible example of what happens when guns are supplied to those who are prohibited from possessing them,” said United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “Fighting violent crime is a top priority in our office, and we are committed to holding accountable those who engage in illicit firearm transactions.”
“The loss of Detroit Police Officer Courts was a tragedy that could have been prevented,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai. “There are serious consequences that can come from illegally purchasing firearms for prohibited individuals. A critical part of ATF’s mission is to stop violent criminals from possessing firearms before a loss of life occurs. We will continue to work side by side with our U.S. Attorney’s, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to make our communities safer.”
