Aikoriegie Admits to Des Moines Gun Store Heists

Des Moines, Iowa – David Marken Aikoriegie is facing serious time after admitting in federal court to a brazen string of burglaries targeting local gun retailers. The 22-year-old pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer on February 22, 2018, to charges stemming from a series of thefts that flooded the streets with stolen weaponry.

Aikoriegie confessed to pilfering firearms from three separate locations. The crime spree began November 16, 2017, with a break-in at JLM Gun Shoppe in Urbandale, where he made off with three firearms. He escalated the operation December 2, 2017, hitting Rangemasters in Clive and absconding with ten guns. Less than two weeks later, on December 14, 2017, he returned to Rangemasters, again stealing eleven more firearms.

But Aikoriegie didn’t just hoard the stolen weapons. He actively moved the merchandise, admitting to selling one of the stolen firearms to an unnamed individual on December 16, 2017. This isn’t just about theft; it’s about putting guns into the hands of who-knows-who, potentially fueling further violence on the streets of Des Moines.

Aikoriegie’s guilty plea includes three counts of stealing a firearm from a federal firearm licensee and one count of unlawful possession, receipt, and sale of a stolen firearm. United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced the guilty plea, signaling a determined effort by federal authorities to crack down on firearms trafficking in the state. The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving the Clive Police Department, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Des Moines Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.

The case, prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, highlights the ongoing struggle to control the flow of illegal firearms. While Aikoriegie has admitted guilt, a sentencing date remains unannounced, leaving the question of his punishment hanging in the balance. Expect a stiff sentence given the number of firearms involved and the subsequent sale of one on the black market.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing when it is scheduled. This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by firearms theft and the dedication of law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice. The streets of Des Moines are a little safer now that Aikoriegie is off the streets, but the fight against gun crime is far from over.