Father and Son Duo Indicted for Theft of Firearms Worth Over $100,000
Florence, S.C. was rocked recently by the news of a massive theft where more than 150 guns, worth over $100,000, were stolen from a local firearm dealer, Palmetto State Armory. The two accused, father and son, are now facing federal charges with seven counts of various crimes, according to documents filed in a district court.
Details of the Theft
The accused, identified as 51-year-old Benjamin Mercer Sr. and his 29-year-old son, allegedly broke into the Palmetto State Armory late in the night on May 12. The duo reportedly stole an enormous collection of guns, with an estimated value surpassing $100,000.
They have each pleaded not guilty to several charges including theft of firearms from a dealer, aiding and abetting, possession of stolen firearms, and felon in possession of firearms. They also face allegations related to theft of government money, carjacking, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a stolen firearm.
The Aftermath of the Crime
Public records indicate a timeline of events following the burglary. In June, the younger Mercer reportedly made arrangements to sell several of the stolen firearms at a location in Darlington County. He also allegedly made attempts to rob the confidential informant and, when unsuccessful, led the deputies on a chase in the informant’s vehicle across county lines into Florence County.
The armed perpetrator took refuge in an apartment on Pineland Avenue in Florence, barricading himself against law enforcement. Police utilized a chemical irritant to coax the younger Mercer out of the apartment, leading to his eventual surrender. The records show that the indictment for the two suspects was executed on July 23 in the US District Court Florence Division.
Current Status of the Accused
According to Florence County jail records, Mercer Jr. was arrested at the end of July and released shortly after on August 2nd. On the other hand, Mercer Sr. remains in police custody as of now.
In addition to the seven counts of federal charges, both men are also facing state-level charges which could lead to stringent legal consequences if proven guilty.
This case marks a significant incident in Florence, S.C., not only because of the high-value theft but also due to the potential public safety concerns raised by the volume of stolen guns. The federal indictment issued against the father and son duo further raises the gravity of this event, sending a strong message about the severity of the offenses they’ve committed.
Public Reaction and Safety Measures
The incident has stirred significant concern among local residents, with many raising questions over public safety and the security measures adopted by gun dealers. The authorities have issued reassurances about their continued commitment to protecting the public and bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice. The investigation is still ongoing, and any further developments would be closely monitored by the community.
