MB-G26
04-25-2007, 17:16
Online Republic article (http://www.azcentral.com/community/mesa/articles/0425abrk-mrcivilian0425-ON.html)
Civilian police employee accused of selling guns
Kirsten Keane
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 25, 2007 01:41 PM
A Mesa Police Department civilian employee has been suspended and his home searched after an investigation indicated he was selling firearms without a license, including several weapons later used in crimes.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms on Wednesday searched the Gold Canyon home of 25-year department veteran Larry Cheatham after an investigation that lasted nearly a year.
ATF records show Cheatham, 56, purchased 147 firearms and resold them, including one sale to an undercover agent while Cheatham was on-duty, wearing a department service uniform and driving a marked police department vehicle.
"Unlicensed firearm dealers continue to be a source of supply for criminals and those that wish to circumvent the law," said Bill Newell, ATF Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Division, in a press release.
Police could not comment on whether the firearms were sold to a particular group or individual, but those recovered so far have not been tied to shootings or murders.
Agents made the most recent undercover purchases from Cheatham at the Crossroads Gun Show at the Arizona State Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, where he had about 55 firearms for sale at his booth.
Six firearms traced to Cheatham were recovered after they were used in crimes in Arizona, California and Alabama,
"It is a concern to law enforcement across the country," Mesa Police Chief George Gascón said. "We don't want firearms in the hands of criminals."
One sale transaction of firearms is legal, but engaging in the business for livelihood and profit is the issue. "(Cheatham) more than likely would have been issued a license," had he applied for one, Newell said.
Police said Cheatham purchased the firearms legally, and that he did not abuse his position with the police force to acquire firearms through evidence.
It is unclear whether Cheatham is tied to others in this crime or how much money he has made selling the firearms.
Cheatham was a civilian employee, meaning he did not go to the police academy and cannot make arrests or carry weapons. He mainly conducted investigations in the field for crimes and accidents, and helped with property recovery, Gascón said.
"Cheatham was quiet, and he knew how to do his job," Commander John Meza said. "It was definitely a surprise and an embarrassment."
Cheatham will be placed on paid administrative suspension as the investigation continues. The attorney's office did not issue an arrest warrant for him.
"This is really an embarrassment to us," Gascón said. "There is no question that the Mesa Police Department has ended up with a black eye today."
Civilian police employee accused of selling guns
Kirsten Keane
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 25, 2007 01:41 PM
A Mesa Police Department civilian employee has been suspended and his home searched after an investigation indicated he was selling firearms without a license, including several weapons later used in crimes.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms on Wednesday searched the Gold Canyon home of 25-year department veteran Larry Cheatham after an investigation that lasted nearly a year.
ATF records show Cheatham, 56, purchased 147 firearms and resold them, including one sale to an undercover agent while Cheatham was on-duty, wearing a department service uniform and driving a marked police department vehicle.
"Unlicensed firearm dealers continue to be a source of supply for criminals and those that wish to circumvent the law," said Bill Newell, ATF Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Division, in a press release.
Police could not comment on whether the firearms were sold to a particular group or individual, but those recovered so far have not been tied to shootings or murders.
Agents made the most recent undercover purchases from Cheatham at the Crossroads Gun Show at the Arizona State Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, where he had about 55 firearms for sale at his booth.
Six firearms traced to Cheatham were recovered after they were used in crimes in Arizona, California and Alabama,
"It is a concern to law enforcement across the country," Mesa Police Chief George Gascón said. "We don't want firearms in the hands of criminals."
One sale transaction of firearms is legal, but engaging in the business for livelihood and profit is the issue. "(Cheatham) more than likely would have been issued a license," had he applied for one, Newell said.
Police said Cheatham purchased the firearms legally, and that he did not abuse his position with the police force to acquire firearms through evidence.
It is unclear whether Cheatham is tied to others in this crime or how much money he has made selling the firearms.
Cheatham was a civilian employee, meaning he did not go to the police academy and cannot make arrests or carry weapons. He mainly conducted investigations in the field for crimes and accidents, and helped with property recovery, Gascón said.
"Cheatham was quiet, and he knew how to do his job," Commander John Meza said. "It was definitely a surprise and an embarrassment."
Cheatham will be placed on paid administrative suspension as the investigation continues. The attorney's office did not issue an arrest warrant for him.
"This is really an embarrassment to us," Gascón said. "There is no question that the Mesa Police Department has ended up with a black eye today."