ROANOKE, VA – Another piece of the 1st Pawn gun heist is behind bars. Austin Blake Hixon, 36, of Christiansburg, Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to 86 months in federal prison, bringing a close to the multi-defendant case involving the November 2022 robbery and subsequent illegal firearms trafficking. Hixon’s sentence stems from charges of possessing stolen firearms and perjury – a double-dip into the system for a man who initially tried to mislead investigators.
The November 1, 2022, break-in at 1st Pawn in Fairlawn, Virginia, saw approximately 15 firearms stolen by Malcom Stanton, Ronald Perry, and Michael Hall. The stolen weapons weren’t simply fenced; court documents reveal a disturbing cycle of trading the guns for methamphetamine, fueling the region’s drug epidemic. Perry is identified as the initial perpetrator of the burglary, dividing the spoils with Stanton and Hall.
Law enforcement zeroed in on Hixon’s residence, recovering three of the stolen firearms. When questioned, Hixon spun a tale of aquatic disposal, claiming he’d tossed the guns into the New River. He even repeated this fabrication under oath, attempting to obstruct the investigation. But the lie unraveled. Hixon ultimately confessed to selling or trading the stolen firearms for his fix – methamphetamine.
Hixon’s 86-month sentence represents the final chapter in this case, though it’s hardly a light sentence. It follows the earlier sentencing of his co-conspirators: Malcom Stanton, Ronald Perry, and Justin Cumbee each received 10 years in prison. Michael Hall received a comparatively lighter sentence of 27 months. The disparity in sentences likely reflects varying degrees of involvement and cooperation.
Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci for the Western District of Virginia and Anthony Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division, announced the sentencing. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the ATF, U.S. Marshals, Radford Police, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Christiansburg Police, Virginia State Police Search and Recovery Team, and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly McGann and Lee Brett are prosecuting the case. This case serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of gun theft, drug trafficking, and the willingness of some to lie under oath to protect themselves. The Grimy Times will continue to follow federal cases that impact communities across the nation.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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