BANGOR, Maine — A gritty plea entered by a Bangor man marks the conclusion of a high-stakes investigation into a brazen pawn shop heist. Jonathan Birtz, 39, has copped to snatching a .380 caliber pistol from Main Street Pawn in Lincoln, an act caught on security footage that displayed his cold-blooded reach over the counter.
The incident, which shook local law enforcement and residents alike, took place in July 2021. Birtz is now staring down up to a decade behind bars for his audacious theft, which authorities describe as a brazen act of thievery.
According to court records, the defendant reached over the counter with calculated precision, snatching the firearm and swiftly concealing it in a blanket he carried. The quick thinking of store staff prevented him from escaping with more than just the weapon.
Birtz now faces up to 10 years in federal prison, followed by supervised release that could last as long as three years. His sentencing date will be determined after the U.S. Probation Office completes a thorough presentence investigation report.
Local law enforcement and federal agents have been credited with a meticulous probe that led to Birtz’s arrest. The Lincoln Police Department, in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (B ATF), worked tirelessly to bring the criminal to justice.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who seek to exploit the firearms trade for personal gain. As Birtz awaits his fate, the community of Lincoln and beyond can take solace in the swift and decisive action taken to protect the public from further harm.
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Key Facts
- State: Maine
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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