10 Arrested for Illegal Gun Sales

Montgomery, Alabama - Ten people were arrested for illegal gun sales that took place at Sadie’s Flea Market in Dothan, Alabama, announced U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. for the Middle District of Alabama and Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fulton of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

According to court documents, all of those arrested had rented booths at Sadie’s Flea Market and engaged in the sale of firearms. It is alleged that nine of the ten arrested sold guns to individuals they knew had been convicted of a felony. Four were also charged with selling firearms without a license. Court records indicate that some of those charged with illegal gun sales had been convicted of a felony themselves, which prohibited them from even possessing a firearm. Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a gun if you have been convicted of a felony, and also to sell a gun to someone you know has been convicted of a felony. As a result of this investigation, ATF agents seized over 200 firearms and over 5000 rounds of live ammunition.

The following people were arrested:

• RICHARD ALLEN COHEN, 65 years old, of Graceville, Florida is charged with selling a firearm to a convicted felon.
• ROBERT ARTHUR CHUDZIK III, 27 years old, of Headland, Alabama is charged with selling a firearm to a convicted felon.
• WILLIAM DEAN, 84 years old, of Whigham, Georgia is charged with selling a firearm to a convicted felon.
• CHARLES T. GRIMES, 56 years old, of Opp, Alabama is charged with selling a firearm to a convicted felon, dealing firearms without a license.
• THOMAS P. KNOWLES, 47 years old, of Chancellor, Alabama is charged with selling a firearm to a convicted felon.
• MARVIN T. JONES, 70 years old, of Dothan, Alabama is charged with selling a firearm to a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and dealing in firearms without a license.
• DAVID R. LOFTIN, 64 years old, of Lagrange, Georgia is charged with selling a firearm to a convicted felon, and dealing firearms without a license.
• RONALD D. SLOAN, 64 years old, Cottondale, Florida is charged with selling a firearm to a convicted felon.
• CHARLES P. SLY, 75 years old, of Slocomb, Alabama is charged with selling a firearm to a convicted felon, possession of firearm by convicted felon, and dealing firearms without a license.
• BRENT E. UNDERWOOD, 60 years old, of Coffee Springs, Alabama is charged with selling a firearm to an out-of-state resident.

“ATF’s ‘Frontline’ strategy to reduce violent crime includes the investigation of those individuals who sell firearms to prohibited persons,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fulton. “This investigation demonstrates the continued dedication to provide a safe environment for the public”

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted Cohen, Chudzick, Dean, Grimes, Knowles, Jones, Loftin, Sloan, and Sly face a prison term of up to ten years, a fine of not more than $250,000 and a term of supervised release of not more than three years. Underwood faces a prison term of not more than five years, a $250,000 maximum fine and a term of supervise release of not more than three years.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Chipley, Florida Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan R. Redmond.

PRESS CONTACT: Clark Morris
Email: usaalm.press@usdoj.gov
Telephone: (334) 551-1755
Fax: (334) 223-7617