Three charged for allegedly lying on gun forms

Three people are facing felony charges after they were caught lying on background check forms while trying to buy guns, police say. Two of the accused were turned away at Sauers Trading, 1100 W. Southern Ave., South Williamsport, and another was denied while trying to buy a a gun at National Sporting Goods, 1241 Allegheny St., Jersey Shore, according to records.

According to police:

William James Kline, 65,of Jersey Shore, was denied on January 28 from buying a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol from Sauers and is facing two charges for making false statements. On both the ATF and state police background check form, Kline answered, “No,” when asked if he had ever been convicted of a felony or crime for which he could have served more than one year in jail — even if his actual sentence was less. When questioned by police, Kline admitted he was “not paying attention” when he filled out the form. In 2020, Kline pleaded guilty to DUI , which carried a maximum sentence of five years, although he was only sentenced to 48 hours in jail. Docket sheet .

Allan Martin Watson, 59, of South Williamsport, was prevented from buying a JTS M12AK 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun on Oct 11 from Sauers. Watson pleaded guilty to 95 charges , including 53 counts of access device fraud and 42 counts of theft, following his arrest in 2015. Each of the misdemeanor charges carried the potential of a five year prison sentence, for a total maximum sentence of 475 years. Instead, Watson was sentenced to 10 years of probation. Watson answered, “No” to the question asking if he’d been convicted of a felony or crime for which he could have served more than one year in jail. He later told police he misunderstood the question and believed he could purchase the gun because he hadn’t been convicted of a felony. He’s charged with making false statements and making a false statement under penalty. Docket sheet .

Kimberly Jo Parsons, 48, Wellsboro, tried to purchase a gun on Oct. 15 from National Sporting Goods. Parsons answered, “No” to the questions “Have you ever … been committed to a mental institution?” and “Have you ever been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence?” Records show, however, that Parsons was involuntarily committed to a mental health facility in January of 2024, and had previously been convicted of assault in 2008. She is facing four charges for making false statements and statements under penalty. Docket sheet .

Kline's preliminary hearing is set for March 24, while Watson's will take place on April 14. Parson waived her right to a preliminary hearing and is set to be arraigned in the Court of Common Pleas on March 24.