Calvin Levi Johnson, Theft from a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer, Indiana 2022

BEDFORD, IN – A brazen overnight burglary at a local gun shop landed 20-year-old Calvin Levi Johnson of Bedford, Indiana, a 14-month federal prison sentence. Johnson pleaded guilty to theft from a federally licensed firearms dealer, a charge stemming from a January 11, 2022, break-in.

According to court documents, Bedford Police Department (BPD) officers responded to an alarm at the Knife and Gun shop at approximately 2:11 AM. Security footage showed Johnson smashing a display case with a hammer and making off with 16 handguns stuffed into a backpack. It was a swift, calculated operation, but not swift enough to evade capture.

A subsequent search of Johnson’s residence yielded four of the stolen firearms – discovered in a black “Champion” book bag near his bed. Authorities confirmed that all 16 stolen guns were eventually recovered and confiscated, preventing them from hitting the streets and potentially fueling further criminal activity. The recovery is a small victory, but a victory nonetheless in a world awash in illegal firearms.

“Thefts from gun retailers help to arm criminals and drive the violence in our communities,” stated U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. His words aren’t just boilerplate – they reflect a grim reality. Federal prosecutors are increasingly focused on disrupting the flow of stolen weapons, targeting not just the thieves but the entire ecosystem that enables gun crime.

Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division, echoed this sentiment, stating that stolen firearms are a “significant source of crime guns.” The ATF, along with the Indiana State Police and BPD, conducted the investigation, highlighting the collaborative effort required to tackle these cases. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt handed down the 14-month sentence, and also ordered two years of supervised release following Johnson’s incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Jayson W. McGrath prosecuted the case. While a 14-month sentence won’t erase the danger posed by the stolen firearms, it sends a clear message: stealing guns carries serious consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to keep illegal weapons off our streets and out of the hands of those who would do harm.

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