Florence Men Indicted for Stealing a Plethora of Firearms from Palmetto State Armory
In a recent development, a father and son from Florence, South Carolina, have been indicted by a federal court for an alleged theft of firearms from the Palmetto State Armory. The accused, Benjamin Mercer Sr., 51, and his son, 29, who are alleged to have stolen firearms worth over $100,000, both pleaded not guilty to the charges laid against them.
Series of Charges
The duo faces seven counts, including stealing firearms from a dealer and aiding and abetting, possessing stolen firearms, aiding and abetting a felon in possession of firearms, theft of government money, carjacking, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime, and the possession of a stolen firearm. Besides these federal charges, they also currently face multiple state-level charges.
The Heist
Providing further information about the theft that occurred on May 12, officers from the local sheriff’s office stated that the alleged theft took place at a business located at 1811 Sally Hill Farms Road. The accused father-son duo allegedly forced their way into the store during the night and stole more than 150 firearms that were estimated to be worth over $100,000.
Trail Leading to the Indictment
Documents recently filed in the U.S. District Court, Florence Division indicate that the Mercers were indicted on July 23. Sources reveal that in June, authorities found out Mercer Jr. had made arrangements to sell several of the stolen guns at a location in Darlington County. However, upon the arrival of deputies, Mercer Jr. allegedly attempted to rob the confidential informant, eventually leading deputies on a chase into Florence County.
As the pursuit rolled on, Mercer Jr., who was armed at the time, took refuge in an apartment on Pineland Avenue in Florence where he remained barricaded and refused to surrender. Florence police were compelled to intervene, throwing a chemical irritant into the apartment which resulted in Mercer Jr. surrendering. Following the incident, Mercer Jr. was arrested on July 31 and was released subsequently on Thursday while his father remains in custody.
Investigations Continue
The details surrounding the incident highlight an alarming concern about firearm security and crime rates in the city. The local authorities and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to investigate the case further and restore a sense of safety among the residents. The trial for this case is projected to make significant progress in the coming weeks, offering justice to the local firearm dealer and deterring potential future offenses of this nature.
