In a dramatic turn of events, a duo from the city of Florence has reached the courts after being accused of stealing a staggering amount of firearms from the Palmetto State Armory. The father-son duo is now faced with a flurry of federal charges that could carry severe penalties.
Stealing Firearms Worth $100,000
According to recent documents, the indictees are Benjamin Mercer Sr., 51, and his son, a 29-year-old, alleged of stealing firearms worth $100,000 from a local dealer. The loot consists of more than 150 firearms whose value crossed the grand sum. The duo forcefully entered the store, located on 1811 Sally Hill Farms Road, at night on May 12. However, they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
List of Charges
Both are charged with seven counts involving a series of crimes ranging from stealing firearms from a dealer, carjacking, aiding and abetting possession of stolen firearms, and aiding and abetting felon in possession of firearms, theft of government money to other serious charges like brandishing, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a stolen firearm.
In addition to these, the duo also faces numerous state-level charges.
Indictment in US District Court Florence Division
The indictment came to light after the U.S. District Court Florence Division filed it on July 23. Following the event, the younger Mercer is said to have made arrangements to sell several of the stolen firearms at a specific location in Darlington County.
Adding to the drama, reports say that he even tried to rob the confidential informant and later led deputies onto a car chase in the informant’s vehicle into Florence County. During this event, Mercer Jr, armed at that time, ran into an apartment on Pineland Avenue in Florence and barricaded himself.
Arrest and Present Scenario
Authorities managed to smoke him out by throwing a chemical irritant into the apartment, following which Mercer Jr. surrendered. His subsequent arrest took place on July 31. However, he was released on Thursday while his father remains in custody.
The charges put forth by the U.S. District Court Florence Division have led to concerns in the local community, reflecting the dangers and consequences related to illegal firearms possession and misuse.