Omaha Gun Shop Manager Jailed for $15K Firearms Fraud

OMAHA, NE – Blake D. Colson, 29, is headed to federal prison after admitting to a brazen scheme to steal firearms from his employer. Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced Colson was sentenced November 19, 2021, to twelve months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher for wire fraud. The sentence also includes a two-year term of supervised release following his incarceration, and a hefty $15,349.58 in restitution.

Colson wasn’t some street thug looking for a quick score. He was a manager at Frontier Justice Omaha (FJO), a position of trust he abused to line his pockets with weaponry. Late in 2020, Colson leveraged his access to the company’s systems to create fraudulent gift cards. These weren’t for a few bucks; they were used to purchase seventeen firearms, along with ammunition and various firearm accessories – a significant haul for one man.

The scheme didn’t remain hidden for long. FJO’s internal review of their transaction records flagged the suspicious activity. The company didn’t sweep it under the rug; they dug in, uncovering Colson’s deliberate fraud. When confronted with the evidence, Colson confessed, attempting to mitigate the damage by cooperating with authorities and assisting in the recovery of the stolen goods. Thankfully, nearly all of the firearms and accessories were recovered, preventing them from hitting the streets.

While the recovery of the stolen items is a positive, the fact remains Colson exploited a position of authority for personal gain, potentially putting dangerous weapons into the wrong hands. Judge Buescher clearly recognized the severity of the offense, imposing both a prison sentence and financial penalties to hold Colson accountable for his actions.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Omaha Police Department spearheaded the investigation, working diligently to unravel the scheme and bring Colson to justice. Their combined efforts demonstrate a commitment to combating firearms-related crime and holding those who attempt to circumvent the law responsible.

This case serves as a stark reminder that even those entrusted with responsibility can fall prey to greed. Colson’s actions not only damaged a local business but also compromised public safety. His twelve-month sentence is a signal that such behavior will not be tolerated in Nebraska’s criminal justice system.