ATF, Dorchester County Sheriff and Firearms Industry Offer $10,000 Reward in Firearms Theft Seeking Public’s Help in Firearms Theft from a Business.

Federalsburg, Md. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, have announced a combined reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from The Gun Merchant, a federal firearms licensee (FFL).

On Saturday, June 10, 2017, at approximately 5:55 p.m., at least one suspect burglarized The Gun Merchant, located at 6854 Eldorado Road, Federalsburg, Md. Approximately 24 handguns and 3 rifles were stolen. ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $10,000. This crime is being investigated by the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF.

“The ATF, along with the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and our other law enforcement partners, are committed to ensuring that our communities are safe and that those who violate federal firearm laws are held accountable,” said Daniel L. Board Jr., Special Agent in Charge for the ATF Baltimore Field Division. “Experience shows us that these firearms are destined to wind up in the hands of criminals. Keeping illegal firearms from hitting the streets is ATF’s number one priority.”

This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF rewards in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers.

“ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition of firearms and is dedicated to assisting and protecting our industry partners as well as the community from those who seek to illegally obtain firearms,” said Board.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the ATF 24/7 hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS [ 1-888-ATF-TIPS] (1-888-283-8477 [ 1-888-283-8477] ) or send an email to ATFTips@atf.gov (link sends e-mail). Citizens can also send a text anonymously via the ReportIt® mobile app, available through www.reportit.com (link is external), using the ATF Baltimore Field Division as the location.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes, and regulates the firearm industry. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.