Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Harkamal Singh, 34, of Ludhana, India, has been charged by criminal complaint with making a false statement to a federal firearms licensee during the attempted purchase of a firearm.
On September 18, 2025, Singh had his initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. A detention hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 1:00pm in Burlington before Magistrate Judge Doyle. Singh remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending that hearing.
According to court records, it is alleged that Singh falsely indicated that he had lawful status in the United States when he filled out ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm, when Singh knew that he did not have lawful status to be in the United States.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Singh is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Singh faces up to ten years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) and the United States Border Patrol.
The prosecutor is Special Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham. Singh is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces