Steven Gagnon, 55, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been indicted on federal charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm — a crime carrying steep penalties under U.S. law. The indictment follows a sting operation involving a confidential informant and the seizure of multiple weapons from Gagnon’s possession.
According to court documents, Gagnon sold a shotgun, ammunition, and accessories to a confidential informant (CI) for $600. During the exchange, he discussed the sale of additional firearms, leading investigators to execute a search warrant at his residence. What they found was a cache of weapons and gear consistent with illegal trafficking: a model 770 .300 caliber rifle, an FNAR .308 rifle, a model 20 .22 caliber rifle, and an M70A 9mm handgun.
Of particular concern to law enforcement was the FNAR — described in the affidavit as an AR-10 military-style rifle — equipped with three high-capacity magazines and one 10-round magazine, all loaded. Also seized: over 36 boxes of assorted ammunition and reloading equipment, suggesting not just possession, but potential preparation for ongoing distribution.
Gagnon’s criminal history seals the federal case against him. He was convicted of a felony offense in December 2015 in Allen County Superior Court, a conviction that legally bars him from owning or handling any firearm. That prior record transforms his alleged actions from a simple sale into a serious federal crime.
“My office will continue to aggressively prosecute violations of federal firearms laws,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “Felons cannot possess firearms. This law is simple and straightforward. When felons do possess firearms, they will be prosecuted to fullest extent permitted by law.”
The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury and is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Indiana State Police, and Auburn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that an indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted, the judge will determine any sentence under federal guidelines.
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