Federal Arrest Warrant and Search Warrant Served in Firearms Theft Case

February 28, 2010 - SAGINAW, Mich. — Special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and detectives from the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) on February 22, 2010, arrested an individual identified as Joshua BRUFF of Owosso, Mich, for alleged violations of federal firearms laws. ATF Agents, SCSO detectives, investigators from the Michigan State Police and officers from the Owosso Police Department immediately served a federal search warrant at BRUFF'S residence located in Owosso, Mich. This arrest and search warrants were served as part of a joint investigation by ATF and SCSO after it was uncovered that BRUFF was allegedly stealing firearms and other items from his employer, Bare's Sporting Goods in St. Charles, Mich. Bare's is a federal firearms licensee (FFL).

This investigation is a cooperative effort between ATF and the SCSO. The following items were seized pursuant to the federal search warrant: 17 long guns, three handguns, thousands of rounds of ammunition and miscellaneous documents. Agents and detectives are comparing serial numbers of these firearms to those reported stolen from Bare's to determine the status of these firearms.

BRUFF is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Flint, Mich. for his initial appearance on a criminal complaint which charges him with disposing of and selling a stolen firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 922(j). If convicted of this charge, BRUFF faces up to 10 years imprisonment and/or up to a $250,000 fine.

ATF and the SCSO are seeking the public’s assistance in this matter. If you are an area FFL who purchased firearms from BRUFF, please call the ATF Flint Field Office at 810-341-5710 or the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Bureau at 989-790-5447.

A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment. This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in Flint, Michigan.