Grimy Times Exclusive: Vahan Kelerchian Sentenced to 100 Months for Firearms Conspiracy
HAMMOND, Indiana – In a shocking turn of events, Vahan Kelerchian, 58, of Richboro, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 100 months in prison for his role in the acquisition of machineguns and restricted laser aiming sights.
According to evidence presented at trial, Kelerchian conspired with Joseph Kumstar and Ronald Slusser, two former Lake County Police Officers, to knowingly make false statements relating to the acquisition of firearms. The trio used their positions to acquire approximately 71 fully automatic machineguns in the name of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, knowing that the department was not going to be the true owner of these weapons.
Kelerchian, Kumstar, and Slusser conspired to use law enforcement letterhead to create letters which falsely represented that the machineguns were going to be used by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department to carry out its law enforcement responsibilities. The machineguns were purchased for a cost of $1200 and $1600 and then, when received by the Sheriff’s Department, transported offsite to be parted out. The barrels (also known as the “upper”) were split with the officers and some were sent back to Kelerchian. The “uppers” sold between $3000 and $3600 due to post-1986 parts not being available to the public because only law enforcement agencies or the military can acquire these weapons.
Kelerchian also used his company, Armament Services International “ASI”, to assist Kumstar and Slusser to acquire 74 restricted laser aiming sights again using law enforcement letterhead from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and the Lowell Police Department. These class 3b laser sights were restricted by the Food and Drug Administration. The laser aiming sights had a visible laser that could be seen in excess of 50 feet and an invisible laser that could be used for targeting with infrared goggles in excess of 1 mile.
In addition to the charges above, Kelerchian was also found guilty of money laundering and false statements to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regarding false demonstration letters involving high-powered belt-fed machine guns. Kelerchian was also charged with bribery but was acquitted of that charge.
United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said, “Mr. Kelerchian abused the authority entrusted to him for criminal purposes. The 8 years that he will spend in federal prison, which began today, should be a deterrent to others similarly situated that act for illegal purposes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively prosecute our nation’s firearm laws and seek meaningful sentences of offenders to both punish and deter this type of criminal behavior.”
Kelerchian was taken into custody upon sentencing to begin serving his sentence. He was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine and $28,200 in restitution along with serving 1 year of supervised release upon release from prison.
Defendant: Vahan Kelerchian
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy, money laundering, false statements, and bribery
City and State: Hammond, Indiana
Exact Date: 2016
Sentence or Outcome: 100 months in prison, $100,000 fine, $28,200 restitution, and 1 year supervised release
Dollar Amounts: $1200, $1600, $3000, $3600, $100,000, $28,200
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime