A Bucks County woman has been charged with multiple counts of illegally purchasing and selling firearms—guns that were later used by a Landsdale man in an alleged act of prowling in New Hanover. 

According to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, Kristin Sweigard, 38, allegedly purchased "straw guns" and other items that she then provided to Edward Cordenner III, 36. 

If you find yourself charged with a weapons crime, contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team by calling 888.535.3686 or by filling out this contact form.   

First Things First: What Is a Straw Gun Purchase? 

"Straw purchases," according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, is the proxy purchase of a gun, ammunition, or other weaponry on behalf of another person who isn't permitted by law to purchase or own firearms. In other words, it's buying firearms for someone who can't—for example, convicted felons. Straw guns can also end up in the hands of minors. 

Such purchases, along with so-called "ghost guns," or privately made weapons that do not have serial numbers and are therefore impossible to trace, account for the vast majority of guns used in the commission of crimes in recent years. 

Purchasing firearms for a felon or anyone else who isn't legally allowed to have them is punishable by up to a $250,000 fine and 15 years' imprisonment. 

What Happened in Bucks County 

Law enforcement officers responding to reports of a prowler discovered Cordenner, equipped with night vision goggles, a loaded 9mm Taurus G2c firearm, and a loaded magazine, in the driveway of his ex-girlfriend's house. Officers discovered that Cordenner had neither a concealed-carry permit nor the ability to legally possess firearms at all, thanks to a previous felony conviction. 

Among the weapons and weaponry seized during a search at Cordenner's home were several purchased by Sweigard between June and October 2023: the Taurus G2c, an American Tactical AR-15 style firearm, and a Maverick Arms 12-gauge shotgun.  

Cordenner is charged with multiple felony counts of Person Not to Possess a Firearm, Firearms Not to be Carried Without a License, Prohibited Offensive Weapons, Illegal Transfer of a Firearm, Resisting Arrest, Loitering, and Prowling at Night. 

Sweigard is facing multiple felony counts related to the illegal purchase and sale of firearms, including Materially False Statements and Sales to Ineligible Transferee. 

Accused of Offenses Related to Firearms?  

Straw gun purchases, illegal transfer or sale of a weapon, illegally owning or carrying firearms—The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can defend anyone who is facing charges related to firearms. These are serious crimes that require aggressive defense, and that's exactly what the LLF Law Firm offers. Call 888.535.3686 or click here.