February 26, 2008

MILTON RESIDENT ARRESTED FOR BOB'S GUN SHOP BURGLARY

The United States Attorney's Office announced today that Tyler Bushey, 23, of Milton, Vermont was arrested by federal and state law enforcement authorities late in the evening on February 21 at his home. Bushey has been charged in federal court by criminal complaint with possession and sale of stolen firearms.

According to Court records, Bushey is alleged to have burglarized Bob's Gun Shop in Milton, Vermont just after midnight on February 10, 2008 and stolen 12 handguns. After the burglary, Bushey is alleged to have taken the stolen handguns to his home on Main St. in Milton. Three of these handguns were recovered at the time of Bushey's arrest, one of which, a Ruger, .45 caliber pistol, was found in Bushey's bedroom during the execution of a search warrant. On Friday, February 22, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jerome J. Niedermeier ordered that Bushey be detained pending trial.

A second defendant, William Dunn Jr., 23, of Burlington, Vermont was arrested for purchasing one of the handguns stolen from Bob's Gun Shop. Dunn was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon in light of his prior state felony conviction in 2007 for distributing Oxycontin. On February 25, Judge William K. Sessions III ordered that Dunn be detained pending trial.

If convicted of these current charges, Bushey and Dunn could each face a maximum sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted, Bushey and Dunn's specific sentences would be determined by the Court as advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney's Office emphasizes that the charges set forth in the complaints are merely allegations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until each is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and the Franklin County Sheriff's Department. The investigation is continuing. Prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella. Bushey is represented by Robert Fellrath, Esq. of the Federal Public Defender's Office.