Convicted felon arrested for lying on federal form while trying to buy gun

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A local gun store said it helped stop a known felon from purchasing a gun from its store.

A new state law makes this possible.

Waahid Jaye, 33, was arrested in 2021 on several charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault and discharging a firearm. Because of these charges, he is not allowed to be around weapons.

Surveillance video from the LEPD gun store shows Jaye and his wife entering and both attempting to purchase guns.

“She gets an advance – and it’s important to note that they have the same address and it’s a federal form that they’re filling out. He gets held up – that’s not unusual. A few days later, on a Tuesday, we get a notification through the database that his application was denied,” said Eric Delbert, owner of the LEPD.

Delbert searched the court records for the reason for Jaye’s rejection.

Jaye has a criminal record and several charges from 2021 that prevent him from legally owning a gun. He is not supposed to be around guns, but surveillance video shows him picking up several weapons in the store.

“We know there is so much gun violence in Columbus right now. If there is anything we can do to make a change, we will definitely take the step in that direction,” Delbert said.

Jaye also completed the federal background check and checked the box stating he is not a felon.

A law passed in Ohio in 2021 allows local law enforcement to charge felons if they lie on a federal form to purchase a gun.

“This gentleman has four charges against him, not only for possession of a firearm while disabled, but we believe this is one of the first times in Franklin County that he has been charged at the state level for lying or deceiving a federal firearms license holder like us in an attempt to obtain a firearm,” Delbert said.

Delbert passed the information on to Perry Township police.

Detective Charles Mills said it was a good feeling to know that the charges filed earlier this month prevented a felon from getting his hands on a gun.

“Absolutely. Any police officer is much happier preventing a gun from getting on the street than trying to take a gun from someone on the street,” Mills said.

“We are proud of some of the cases we have been involved in. This is not just about selling guns. We want to do our part for our community to make sure firearms stay out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them,” Delbert said.

Jaye is being held in the Franklin County Jail and has been charged with possession of a firearm under a misuse permit and unlawful trafficking in a firearm.

A federal investigation is ongoing and further charges may be filed.

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