Four individuals are facing charges for their involvement in a string of break-ins at gun stores throughout Maryland, where they stole a total of 81 firearms and 10 gun replicas. The group, consisting of individuals aged 16 to 20, conducted three burglaries and attempted seven others between December 2023 and March 2024. Authorities from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with federal and local law enforcement agencies, investigated the case.

The burglaries occurred during late-night and early-morning hours, with the group using a crowbar to gain entry, as stated by prosecutors. Only six of the stolen firearms have been recovered, and those in possession of these weapons were found to be ineligible to own them under the law, according to state prosecutors.

An indictment revealed that the suspects were attempting to sell or trade the stolen guns on social media platforms, where they sometimes boasted about their criminal activities. Additionally, authorities reported that the group was robbed of some of the stolen weapons on at least two occasions, with one suspect accidentally discharging a firearm and injuring an associate in both feet.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who break the law. He stressed the need to remove illegal guns from communities and stated that Maryland residents are eager to see a reduction in crime within their neighborhoods.