Man Sentenced for Series of Firearm Thefts from Grand Haven Pawn Shop

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Casey Johnson, 29, of Muskegon, was sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison after being convicted of three counts of Theft of Firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee and three counts of Felon in Possession of Firearms.

“My office is committed to being part of the solution to keep illegal guns off our streets and out of the hands of felons,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Today’s sentence reflects the joint commitment of law enforcement to hold Mr. Johnson accountable for the theft of guns from Michigan Pawn Brokers and to keep our communities safe from gun violence.”

Police were investigating a series of thefts from multiple businesses, including three break-ins at Michigan Pawn Brokers, when their investigation led them to Casey Johnson. Investigators executed a search warrant at a motel room at which Johnson was staying and recovered two of the 11 firearms that Johnson stole.

“In the end, the moral of this case is simple: crime does not pay. Casey Johnson decided to steal firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer, because as a prior convicted felon it was easier than passing a background check,” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Casey will have a lot of free time to reflect on his poor choices while serving time in a federal prison. If you choose to illegally possess an illegal firearm, you should pack your bags for prison.”

This case was investigated by the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety, the Muskegon Police Department, the Norton Shores Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Roosevelt Park Police Department and the Michigan State Police.

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Source: U.S. ATF, atf.gov