Showing posts with label theft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theft. Show all posts

Monday, May 9, 2011

ATF Offers $5K Reward for Information on Retail Gun Theft

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Agent in Charge Gregory K. Gant of the Atlanta Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) today (May 5) announced ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the theft of firearms that occurred at Brother's Pawn Shop, 218 Alabama Ave., a federal firearms licensee in Bremen, GA. The burglary occurred on April 18.

"Firearms theft from licensed gun dealers is one of the top priorities for ATF. Experience shows us that these guns will likely end up being used in a crime. These guns in the hands of criminals endanger everyone's safety," said Gant. "With this reward, it is ATF's hope that someone will come forward with information that will lead to the arrest of the suspects responsible."

During the early morning hours of April 18, two individuals broke into the Brother's Pawn Shop by breaking out a wooden garage door panel on the side of the building. According to the surveillance video, the two individuals first attempted to break in through the front door, but were unsuccessful. After entering the shop, the surveillance video shows a heavy set male with a shaved head wearing camouflaged pants and a shirt with a horizontal stripe across the back.

ATF and the Bremen Police Department are seeking the public's assistance in identifying those responsible. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF at (404) 201-1127 or utilize the ATF Hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867). Callers can remain anonymous.

More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

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Monday, November 1, 2010

Firearms Industry Matches ATF Reward in Norcross Firearms Theft

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) – the trade association for the firearms industry – has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a September 17 firearms theft at American Classic Marksman, a federally licensed firearms retailer in Norcross, Ga. The incident has triggered a joint investigation, being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Gwinnett County Police Department. The NSSF reward offer matches a $5,000 reward offered by the ATF.

Steve Sanetti, president of the NSSF, said, "Our matching reward offer will hopefully help assist ATF and local law enforcement in solving this crime against a federally licensed firearms dealer and lead to the swift recovery of stolen firearms before they can enter the illegal underground black market where they can be misused to commit violent crimes."

The matching reward payment by NSSF will be granted only following payment of the initial ATF reward, which is up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the crime.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.

For any questions about the theft of these firearms, please contact ATF at the number listed above.

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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

ATF Offers $5K Reward for Information on Retail Gun Theft

/PRNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Atlanta Field Division, today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and convictions of those responsible for a recent firearms theft at Kemp's Pharmacy, a federal firearm licensee in Claxton, Ga. The incident has triggered a multi-jurisdictional investigation, being conducted by ATF, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Evans County Sheriff's Office and the Claxton Police Department.

"Gun thieves play a critical and deadly role in the chain of violence, and ATF places a major emphasis on solving these crimes," said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Gant. "Investigative experience has shown that felons, gang members and juveniles are some of the most common customers for stolen guns in the underground economy of our streets. When guns fall into the wrong hands, the potential for violence increases. Solving this crime will be a team effort, among law enforcement and concerned members of the public."

The early morning burglary occurred on Saturday, June 12 at the business, located at 107 S. Duval St., Claxton, Ga. At approximately 12:50 a.m., the store's security system alerted owners and law enforcement to the burglary. The thieves made entry by smashing the front glass door of the business with a large, metal 55-gallon barrel. Once inside, they smashed two glass display cases and were able to steal a total of 26 handguns and an AK-47 style rifle. Security cameras from an adjacent business filmed two black male subjects fleeing on foot from Kemp's Pharmacy at the time of the theft.

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the subjects involved and providing information on the location of any or all of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.

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Friday, June 4, 2010

Mableton Man Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million-Dollar Cargo Theft Conspiracy

JOHN RAYMOND SMITH, JR., a/k/a “Johnny Ray Smith,” 50, of Mableton, Georgia, pleaded guilty June 2 in federal district court to conspiring to buy, receive, and possess goods stolen from multiple interstate tractor trailer and container shipments throughout Georgia and the southeastern United States between May 2005 and July 2009. Smith also pleaded guilty to related cargo theft and money laundering charges.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of today’s plea, “Metro Atlanta is a major transportation hub, which makes it an attractive target for cargo thieves. By creating a market in this area for stolen goods, dealers like SMITH encourage others to steal interstate shipments, knowing that they will have a safe haven to unload and sell their truckloads of stolen goods. Consumers who buy these products should suspect they are stolen if they seem to be first-quality, name-brand products at unrealistically low prices.”

IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent In Charge Reginael D. McDaniel said, “Money laundering is not a victimless crime. This case is a prime example of how a criminal enterprise creates an underground, untaxed economy that harms our country's overall economic strength.”

Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Vernon Kennan said, “Cargo theft is an under-reported criminal phenomenon that has disastrous cascading economic consequences to Georgians. This annual estimated five billion dollar criminal activity negatively impacts transportation providers, retailers and consumers through higher shipping, insurance premiums and retail costs. These modern-day pirates cruise the nation's asphalt interstate corridors and parking lots, much like their predecessors who sailed the open seas for unsuspecting targets of opportunity. These pirates have been stopped.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between May 2005 and July 2009, SMITH, who operated “Smith Sales Company”out of warehouses in Mableton and Hiram, Georgia, conspired with ROBIN L. CHEATWOOD, who operated “A-Z Discount” in Cedartown, Georgia, and other co-conspirators to buy, receive, and possess goods stolen from nearly two dozen interstate tractor trailer and container shipments valued at over $3 million throughout the Southeastern United States, including shipments stolen in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The tractor trailers and containers were stolen while parked at truck stops, motels, and container storage facilities, often at night. SMITH, CHEATWOOD, and others then sold the goods at discounted prices to consumers and wholesalers.

Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers recovered portions of the stolen interstate shipments during searches of warehouses controlled by SMITH, CHEATWOOD, and others in 2005, 2007, and 2009. The stolen goods included a $123,000 shipment of brand name TVs and computers, a $164,000 shipment of “Casio, Inc.” electronics, $100,000 in “GT One” cigarettes, a $1.8 million shipment of computerized “Husqvarna” and “Pfaff” sewing machines, an $86,000 shipment of “Starkist” canned tuna, $40,000 in “Carter’s, Inc.” baby clothes, and $64,000 in “Wrigley’s” chewing gum. Many of the stolen shipments were bound for major retailers such as “Best Buy,” “Lowe’s,” “Sam’s Club,” “Target,” “Wal-Mart,” “OfficeMax,” and “Office Depot.”

As part of a plea agreement with the government, SMITH pleaded guilty to a three count Criminal Information filed on May 17, 2010, charging one count of conspiracy; one count of buying, receiving, and possessing goods stolen from an interstate cargo shipment; and one count of money laundering. He could receive a maximum sentence of up to 5 years in prison on the conspiracy count, 10 years in prison on each of the cargo theft and money laundering counts, and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

CHEATWOOD, who cooperated in the investigation, pleaded guilty to charges related to the stolen goods recovered by law enforcement in 2005. He pleaded guilty in federal court in Rome, Georgia on September 11, 2009, and is currently serving a ten month prison sentence. Neither SMITH nor CHEATWOOD are charged with the actual theft of the cargo containers.

The investigation is ongoing. The GBI has asked that any members of the public who may have seen semi-trailer trucks being unloaded at rest stops, truck stops, industrial areas or residential areas, particularly at night or on weekends, and believe such off-loading may be suspicious, to call the GBI’s Major Theft Unit at 404-244-2600.

SMITH’s sentencing is scheduled for August 17, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., before United States District Judge William S. Duffey, Jr.

The prosecution is the result of a joint investigation conducted by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, and by Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Major Theft Unit of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Multiple additional local law enforcement agencies and offices assisted with the investigation, including the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Organized Crime Intelligence Unit, Cobb County Police Department, Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, the DeKalb County Police Department, and the Cedartown Police Department.

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Friday, May 7, 2010

Reward Offered for Information on Retail Gun Theft

/PRNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Atlanta Field Division today (May 6) announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for a recent firearms theft at Pannell's Firearms, located at 10102 Main Street in Woodstock, Ga. The case is being jointly investigated by ATF special agents and Cherokee Sheriff's Office (CSO) investigators.

The early morning burglary occurred at Pannell's Firearms and Range, a federal firearms licensee (FFL), on Tuesday, April 27. Store security video shows two subjects approaching the business at 3:15 a.m. Once inside, they are seen smashing glass countertops and placing firearms into bags before fleeing the area. In approximately one minute, the suspects were able to steal a total of 24 firearms.

"Investigating firearms thefts from federally licensed gun dealers is a top priority for ATF," said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Gant. "We all have a vested interest in arresting those responsible and recovering these stolen guns. Solving this crime will be a team effort among ATF, the Cherokee Sheriff's Office and concerned members of the public."

Sheriff Roger Garrison said, "We are pleased that ATF has offered a reward to assist in this investigation. I strongly encourage anyone with any information related to this incident or the suspects involved to come forward."

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the suspects and providing information on the location of any of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or the Cherokee Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 770-928-0239. Callers can remain anonymous.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

International Effort Defeats Major Hacking Ring

VIKTOR PLESHCHUK, 28, of St. Petersburg, Russia; SERGEI TŠURIKOV, 25, of Tallinn, Estonia; and OLEG COVELIN, 28, of Chişinău, Moldova, along with an unidentified individual, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit computer fraud, computer fraud, and aggravated identity theft. IGOR GRUDIJEV, 31, RONALD TSOI, 31, EVELIN TSOI, 20, and MIHHAIL JEVGENOV, 33, each of Tallinn, Estonia, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of access device fraud.

Acting United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the case, “Last November, in just one day, an American credit card processor was hacked in perhaps the most sophisticated and organized computer fraud attack ever conducted. Today, almost exactly one year later, the leaders of this attack have been charged. This investigation has broken the back of one of the most sophisticated computer hacking rings in the world. This success would not have been possible without the efforts of the victim, and unprecedented cooperation from various law enforcement agencies worldwide.”

In Washington, D.C., Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division Lanny A. Breuer said, “The charges brought against this highly sophisticated international hacking ring were possible only because of unprecedented international cooperation with our law enforcement partners, particularly between the United States and Estonia. Through our close cooperation, both nations have demonstrated our commitment to identifying sophisticated attacks on U.S. financial networks that are directed and operated from overseas and our commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Greg Jones said, “Through the diligent efforts of the victim company and multiple law enforcement agencies within the United States and around the world, the leaders of a technically advanced computer hacking group were identified and indicted in Atlanta, sending a clear message to cyber-criminals across the globe. Justice will not stop at international borders but continue with the on-going cooperation between the FBI and other agencies such as the Estonian Central Criminal Police and the Netherlands Police Agency.”

According to Acting United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: During November, 2008, PLESHCHUK, TŠURIKOV, and COVELIN allegedly obtained unauthorized access into the computer network of “RBS WorldPay,” the U.S. payment processing division of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, located in Atlanta. The indictment alleges that the group used sophisticated hacking techniques to compromise the data encryption that was used by RBS WorldPay to protect customer data on payroll debit cards. Payroll debit cards are used by various companies to pay their employees. By using a payroll debit card, employees are able to withdraw their regular salaries from an ATM.

Once the encryption on the card processing system was compromised, the hacking ring allegedly raised the account limits on compromised accounts, and then provided a network of “cashers” with 44 counterfeit payroll debit cards, which were used to withdraw more than $9 million from over 2,100 ATMs in at least 280 cities worldwide, including cities in the United States, Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Italy, Hong Kong, Japan and Canada. The $9 million loss occurred within a span of less than 12 hours.

The hackers then allegedly sought to destroy data stored on the card processing network in order to conceal their hacking activity. The indictment alleges that the “cashers” were allowed to keep 30 to 50 percent of the stolen funds, but transmitted the bulk of those funds back to TSURIKOV, PLESHCHUK and other co-defendants, using means such as WebMoney accounts and Western Union. Upon discovering the unauthorized activity, RBS WorldPay immediately reported the breach, and has substantially assisted in the investigation.

Throughout the duration of the cashout, PLESHCHUK and TŠURIKOV allegedly monitored the fraudulent ATM withdrawals in real-time from within the computer systems of RBS WorldPay. Once the withdrawals were completed, PLESHCHUK and TŠURIKOV allegedly attempted to conceal their activities in the RBS WorldPay computer network by destroying and attempting to destroy data.

TŠURIKOV was not only an alleged hacker, but also distributed fraudulently obtained debit card account numbers and PIN codes to IGOR GRUDIJEV, who, in turn, allegedly distributed the information to Defendants RONALD TSOI, EVELIN TSOI, and MIHHAIL JEVGENOV in Estonia. Together, RONALD TSOI, EVELIN TSOI, and MIHHAIL JEVGENOV allegedly withdrew funds worth approximately $289,000 in U.S. funds from ATMs in Tallinn, Estonia. Charges based on these transactions are pending in Estonia.

The indictment charges sixteen counts. Count One charges PLESHCHUK, TŠURIKOV, COVELIN, and a fourth unidentified individual of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Counts Two through Ten are substantive wire fraud charges brought against PLESHCHUK and TŠURIKOV, aided and abetted by COVELIN and the unidentified hacker, based on the computer commands sent from outside the United States to the computer network of RBS WorldPay in the Northern District of Georgia. Count Eleven charges PLESHCHUK, TŠURIKOV, COVELIN, and the fourth individual with conspiracy to commit computer fraud. Counts Twelve through Fourteen are substantive charges of computer fraud against the defendants. Count Fifteen charges these defendants with aggravated identity theft based on the prepaid payroll card account numbers and associated PIN codes they transferred, possessed, and used without authorization in committing the wire fraud. Count Sixteen charges RONALD TSOI, EVELIN TSOI, and JEVGENOV, aided and abetted by GRUDIJEV, with access device fraud.

The indictment seeks forfeiture of over $9.4 million of proceeds of the crimes from the defendants.

PLESHCHUK, TŠURIKOV, COVELIN, and the unidentified defendant each face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and each wire fraud count; up to 5 years for conspiracy to commit computer fraud; up to 5 or 10 years for each count of computer fraud; a 2 year mandatory minimum for aggravated identity theft; and fines up to $3.5 million dollars. The charges against GRUDIJEV, the TSOI's, and JEVGENOV carry a maximum of up to 15 years incarceration for each count and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

The early detection of fraudulent ATM withdrawal activities in Tallinn, Estonia led to an immediate response by the Estonian Central Criminal Police. Their investigative efforts led to the prompt identification of TŠURIKOV, GRUDIJEV, the TSOIs, and JEVGENOV. TŠURIKOV is presently in custody in Estonia on charges related to access device fraud. The extradition of TŠURIKOV to the United States is currently in process. Access device fraud charges are also pending in Estonia against GRUDIJEV, the TSOI’s, and JEVGENOV. Cooperation between the Hong Kong Police Force and the FBI also led to a parallel investigation, resulting in the identification and arrest of two individuals who were responsible for withdrawing RBS WorldPay funds from ATM terminals in Hong Kong. The Netherlands Police Agency National Crime Squad High Tech Crime Unit and the Netherlands National Prosecutor’s Office provided key assistance in the investigation.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistance was provided by international law enforcement partners. The United States Secret Service also participated in the investigation. RBS World Pay immediately reported the crime and has substantially assisted in the investigation.

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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Violent Crime Rate Remained Unchanged While Theft Rate Declined in 2008

/PRNewswire/ -- The violent crime rate in 2008--19.3 victimizations per 1,000 persons age 12 or older--was unchanged from the previous year, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) in the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, announced today. The property crime rate declined during 2008 from 147 to 135 crimes per 1,000 households, primarily as a result of decreases in theft and motor vehicle theft.

In 2008, an estimated 4.9 million violent crimes (rapes or sexual assaults, robberies, aggravated assaults and simple assaults) occurred, as well as an estimated 16.3 million property crimes (burglaries, motor vehicle thefts and household thefts) and 137,000 personal thefts (picked pockets and snatched purses). These offenses included both crimes reported and unreported to police. With the exception of theft and motor vehicle theft, victimization rates for every type of crime measured were unchanged from the 2007 levels.

Violent and property crime rates in 2008 remain at the lowest levels recorded since 1973, the first year that such data were collected. The rate of every major violent and property crime measured by BJS fell between 1999 and 2008. The overall violent crime rate fell 41 percent and the property crime rate declined by 32 percent during the last 10 years.

In 2008, women were more likely than men to be victimized by someone they knew. Seventy percent of all violent crimes against women were committed by a known offender (an intimate, family member or friend/acquaintance), compared to 49 percent of violence against men. Twenty-three percent of the non-fatal violence against women was committed by an intimate (current or former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend), compared to three percent of the violence against men.

Between 1999 and 2008, the rate of firearm violence declined from 2.5 incidents per 1,000 persons age 12 or older to 1.4 per 1,000 persons. Offenders used firearms in seven percent of all violent crimes in 2008, unchanged from 1999.

Nearly half of all violent crimes and 40 percent of all property crimes were reported to police in 2008. Of the violent crimes, robbery (61 percent) and aggravated assault (62 percent) were most reported. Forty-one percent of rape/sexual assaults and simple assaults were reported to the police. A higher percentage of motor vehicle thefts (80 percent) than burglaries (56 percent) and thefts (34 percent) were reported to police.

These findings are drawn from BJS's National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), the nation's primary source for information on the frequency, characteristics and consequences of criminal victimization. Conducted since 1973, the NCVS is one of the largest continuous surveys conducted by the Federal government. In 2008, 42,093 households and 77,852 individuals age 12 or older were interviewed twice during the year for the NCVS.

Estimates from the NCVS, which includes offenses both reported and unreported to police, complement those from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR), which measures crimes reported to law enforcement agencies across the Nation. Unlike the NCVS, the UCR includes crimes against persons of all ages and businesses, as well as fatal crimes. Preliminary UCR results released by the FBI in June showed a 2.5 percent decline in violent crimes reported to the police and a 1.6 percent decline in property crimes during 2008.

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

LifeLock® and FBI-LEEDA to Educate Georgia Law Enforcement to Combat Identity Theft

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Located in the heart of the Southeast, Atlanta is well known for its civil war battlefields, sports & entertainment events, and a myriad of other tourist attractions. While the Peach State is the ninth largest state in the U.S., it is a prime target for identity thieves. In 2008, more than 38,000 Georgia residents filed identity theft or fraud complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, placing the state 7th in the nation for identity theft.

A March 19 Identity Theft Summit, hosted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA) and LifeLock®, aims to arm local and regional law enforcement officials with information about rising trends in identity theft. The summit is part of a series being offered under a unique partnership between FBI-LEEDA and LifeLock.

“This program is part of extensive efforts we have made in educating law enforcement through our partnership with FBI-LEEDA,” said LifeLock CEO Todd Davis. “Identity theft is a crime that has no boundaries, and by forging relationships with those in law enforcement, we all become better equipped to fight these criminals. LifeLock has a history of partnering with those who share the vision of empowering consumers to protect themselves, and our partnership with FBI-LEEDA brings us even closer to our ultimate goal — eliminating identity theft."

Participants in the program will learn about identity theft and its economic, personal and employment impacts, as well as hear stories from others who have been affected by this crime or have worked to combat it. Law enforcement officials will also have opportunities to network with other agencies to improve inter-agency communication, which can aid in tracking down identity thieves.

“Participants will really be surprised by the number of stories about identity theft,” says Wayne Ivey, a 27-year veteran of law enforcement and the keynote speaker of the Identity Theft Summit. “The key to stopping identity theft is education and awareness. The connections officers will make with other agencies by participating in the summit will be the most valuable thing they come away with, which in turn, will help greatly in their investigations.”

The Atlanta summit is the sixth in an ongoing series spanning the nation. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Atlanta Marriot Alpharetta, 5750 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga. To register, contact Paige Pedersen at paige@lifelock.com. The summit is open to chiefs, sheriffs, investigative supervisors, fraud unit investigators, patrol officers and community policing personnel.

“The positive response from our summits has been overwhelming, and we are excited to bring this important training to our law enforcement community,” said Tom Stone, Executive Director of FBI-LEEDA. “By joining together and opening avenues of communication through information and education, we gain the ability to share effective policing strategies and connect identity theft cases from several cities and states to ensure that these criminals are brought to justice. It’s refreshing to have a private organization like LifeLock recognize the need for this training and to support it across the nation.”

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Thursday, November 13, 2008

ATF Offers Reward for Information on Retail Gun Theft

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Atlanta Field Division, and Jasper, Ga., Police Department today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for a recent firearms theft at the Bargain Barn, located at 3622 Camp Road in Jasper, Ga.

The early morning burglary occurred at the Bargain Barn, a sporting goods store and federal firearms licensee (FFL), on Saturday, Nov. 8. Video surveillance footage shows three masked suspects running through the store smashing display cases and stuffing the firearms into bags before exiting the premises. In less than two minutes, the suspects were able to steal a total of 40 firearms to include 36 semi-automatic pistols and six rifles.

"Theft of firearms from licensed gun dealers is a top priority for ATF," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeff Pearce. "We all have a vested interest in arresting those responsible and recovering the stolen guns. Solving this crime will be a team effort among ATF, the Jasper Police Department and concerned members of the public."

"It's clear that a burglary of a gun dealer is unlike any other commercial theft," said Jasper Police Chief Harold Cantrell. "We need to prevent these stolen firearms from falling into the hands of felons, gang members and juveniles before violent crime and tragedy results."

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the suspects or providing information on the location of the stolen firearms.

Anyone with information in helping to solve this crime is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or the Jasper Police Department by contacting Detective Gleason at (404) 317-2532. Callers can remain anonymous.

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