Defendant Convicted of Federal Firearms Burglary in Centralia, Illinois
A 19-year-old Centralia resident pleaded guilty to federal charges for burglarizing a gun dealer in Centralia, Illinois. Dakota R. Moss faces a maximum of up to 40 years in prison for his crimes.
Moss, 19, was arrested days after the burglary on November 29, 2014, and indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2014. His accomplice, a juvenile, was not identified. The pair used a stolen full-size pickup truck to ram the locked security gate and break into the Buchheit of Centralia farm and home supply store, stealing 39 firearms and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
The burglary occurred in three separate entries between 2:40 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Moss and his accomplice were armed and intended to shoot anyone who interrupted the burglary, including police. The complaint alleged that they stole the firearms to sell them, with Ferguson, Missouri, being a potential destination.
Centralia Police and agents from the ATF identified the suspects soon after the burglary and have recovered 37 of the 39 stolen guns. Anyone with knowledge of the remaining stolen firearms or ammunition is encouraged to call law enforcement.
United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton credited the law enforcement response, stating, "The ATF and the Centralia police department have done a fantastic job investigating this case. We fully support their continued investigation to ensure that everyone associated with this event is brought to justice."
Moss was convicted of stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee, possession of stolen firearms, being a felon in possession of firearms, and carry and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 31, 2015, and Moss could face a mandatory consecutive sentence of not less than 5 years for the carry and use of a firearm during a crime of violence charge.
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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