Guns alleged to have been stolen from Cloverdale gun store

PRESS RELEASE

Indianapolis-United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced today that two men have been federally charged with possession of a stolen firearm. Terry W. Morris II, 18, Cloverdale, and Austin G. Greene, 19, Bedford, were arrested last week and remain in the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service.

“Possessing stolen firearms is a crime we take very seriously in this office,” said Minkler. “Those who choose to illegally sell firearms, introducing them to the underground market and  contributing to the violence in our communities should prepare to face federal prosecution.”

On July 31, 2018, ATF agents were contacted by the Cloverdale Police Department and informed of a burglary that occurred recently at Guy’s Gun Locker in Cloverdale, Indiana. Entry was made by breaking a hole through the south wall of the business and over 35 firearms were stolen.

Law enforcement quickly learned that Greene and Morris were in possession of some of the stolen firearms and made covert firearm purchases from both defendants. In each purchase, the guns are alleged to have been stolen in the Guy’s Gun Locker burglary.

This case is being investigated by ATF, and the Cloverdale Police Department.

“ATF’s core mission is reducing violent gun crime in our communities,” said Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “Those who traffic stolen firearms are enabling the spread of violence and are criminals just like those who obtain the firearms from them. We at ATF are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to follow the gun and stem the destruction stolen firearms cause.”

“The citizens of Cloverdale and the Cloverdale Police Department are thankful for the outstanding support and teamwork provided by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Indiana State Police in the apprehension of these suspects in connection with the burglary at Guy’s Gun Locker,” said Cloverdale Town Marshal Steven L. Hibler. “These agencies continue working with us in an effort to recover all the firearms stolen and get these dangerous weapons out of the hands of people not ordinarily allowed to possess such weapons.”

A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Pamela Domash. Each defendant faces up to ten years’ imprisonment if convicted. 

 In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting those who illegally traffic firearms. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 2.3

 

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