Bedford County Man Stole 31 Firearms, Transported Them To Maryland

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Saxton, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of theft of firearms and interstate transportation of stolen firearms, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Garrett G. Sherlock, 26, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Jan. 28, 2013, Sherlock stole 31 firearms from Saxton Outdoor Supply, Inc., which is a business licensed to deal in firearms. On the same day he transported the stolen firearms from Pennsylvania to Maryland.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2014, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police-Bedford Barracks conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sherlock.

According to Mr. Hickton, Sherlock is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.