Joey A. Maillet, Gun Store Burglaries, Washington 2019

Joey A. Maillet, a 38-year-old man, has been charged in federal court for his involvement in gun store burglaries in Washington state.

According to court records, Maillet was charged with two counts of theft from a federal firearms licensee in connection with the burglaries of Fred's Guns in Sequim, Washington, and All American Armory in Bow, Washington.

On April 13, 2019, Maillet allegedly used a backhoe to ram the doors of Fred's Guns and then broke glass display cases to steal 26 firearms. Surveillance video linked Maillet to the crime, and forensic evidence also pointed to his involvement.

Just days later, on May 3, 2019, Maillet allegedly broke into All American Armory by backing a stolen pick-up truck into the doors, shattering them. He then loaded up 13 rifles from the store and drove away with them in the stolen pick-up.

The stolen pick-up truck was later found abandoned in Birch Bay State Park, and shattered glass was found in the truck bed, along with a stolen boat motor and battery.

The charges against Maillet are only allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Theft from a federal firearms licensee is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), with assistance from several local law enforcement agencies, including the Clallam County Sheriff's Office, Sequim Police Department, and Washington State Patrol.

Maillet has been held on state charges in Clallam County since May 10, 2019, but those charges were recently dismissed in favor of federal prosecution.

One of the stolen firearms has been recovered, but many more remain missing. Maillet's initial appearance on the complaint is scheduled for 2:00 PM today in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/suspect-gun-store-burglaries-two-different-counties-charged-federal-court