Two Men Charged with Stealing 36 Firearms from Anchorage Gun Dealer

Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that two men have been charged with stealing 36 firearms from an Anchorage gun dealer, EDC Alaska, during a Sept. 7, 2017, burglary on Northern Lights Blvd. that was captured on multiple surveillance systems. 

Seth Kaufman, 31, and Christopher Kratsas-Derr, 27, are charged with theft of firearms from a licensed dealer.  Kaufman is also charged with possessing some of the stolen firearms a few days later, on Sept. 11, 2017.

A complaint filed in the case alleges that police received a report of a burglary of EDC Alaska at 6:51 AM on Sept. 7, 2017.  Thirty-six firearms had been stolen by two individuals who backed up a black pickup in front of the business, made entry, and left with three dozen guns.  Surveillance video showed that one of the burglars was wearing grey/black shoes with white trim, while the other wore grey sweatpants and brown ankle boots with white trim. 

EDC Alaska’s owners recalled a suspicious customer from days before.  After reviewing the video of that interaction, police were able to identify the suspicious customer as Kaufman. 

According to the complaint affidavit, police subsequently received a tip indicating that Kaufman and “Chris” committed the burglary, and that they had subsequently offered the guns for sale while staying at Microtel.  Review of prior arrest information revealed that Kaufman and Christopher Kratsas-Derr were arrested together for a different theft crime on June 2, 2017, yet neither was in custody during the Sept. 11, 2017, burglary of EDC Alaska.     

The complaints against Kaufman and Kratsas-Derr also note that on Sept. 11, 2017, APD officers made contact with Kaufman at Motel 6 in Anchorage.  Kaufman was apprehended after fleeing out the second story window of room 209.  Near that same window, law enforcement agents found four of the firearms stolen from EDC Alaska, along with grey/black shoes with white bottom trim.    

Law enforcement officers also reviewed surveillance footage from Microtel, which showed an individual wearing grey sweatpants and brown ankle boots with white trim.  That individual was subsequently identified as Christopher Kratsas-Derr.

Both Kaufman and Kratsas-Derr have been arrested and were initially charged with multiple crimes by the State of Alaska.  Kratsas-Derr’s arraignment on the federal indictment is set for 9:30 AM on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017, while Kaufman’s is set for 11:30 AM the same day. 

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the charges listed in the complaint.  Additionally, defendants can also be required to pay restitution to the victims in this case.  Under the federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants. 

The Anchorage Police Department (APD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation that led to the charges in this case. 

ATF advises that most of the firearms stolen from EDC Alaska have not been recovered.  Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the remaining firearms are encouraged to call 1-888-ATF-TIPS.

Charges contained in a complaint or indictment are merely allegations.  Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.