In a case involving a former Roanoke City police officer, the U.S. Supreme Court says federal law does not allow a “straw purchaser” to buy a gun for someone else even if both are legally eligible to own firearms. In a 5-4 vote, the high court upheld the conviction of Bruce James Abramski Jr., 30, of Roanoke. Abramski bought a handgun near Martinsville five years ago and transferred it to his uncle in Pennsylvania. Prosecutors say he had already agreed to the transfer, but assured the dealer the gun was for himself.
