Tamaqua police charged Patrick Kelly Jr., 38, of Lansford, with making false statements in an attempt to purchase a firearm.

Police were contacted by the Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Unit regarding Kelly’s attempt to obtain a firearm at a Tamaqua sports shop in February.

According to police, Kelly is prohibited from purchasing a firearm because of several factors, including an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Georgia and illegal drug use.

Despite the prohibitions, police said Kelly filled out paperwork to purchase a gun, saying that he had no criminal history and did not use illegal drugs.