Dalton dealer one of the victims of gun theft ring in federal indictments

ATLANTA (AP) – Authorities say seven suspects have been indicted on federal charges in connection with gun thefts from firearms dealers in several Georgia cities, including Athens, Dalton, LaGrange and Macon. One of the thefts occurred in Heflin, Alabama.

U.S. Attorney John Horn on Wednesday announced the indictment, saying thefts from firearm dealers have become a serious problem in north Georgia.

He said in a statement that about 130 guns were stolen in the crime spree, which included seven thefts and three attempted thefts from October to December.

Authorities say they always struck at night, either by driving a stolen car through the storefront or breaking into the business with bolt cutters and a window punch.

Prosecutors say they have evidence that some of the suspects also sold some of the stolen weapons.

“Thefts from firearms dealers have become a serious issue in our district and elsewhere, and sometimes stolen firearms are used to commit other crimes,” said U. S. Attorney John A. Horn. “The arrests and indictment of these seven individuals is a significant step in solving these crimes and helping to prevent the distribution of stolen firearms in our community.”

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)