ActingU.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the return of a single-count Indictment charging ANTWON SEYMORE, age 19, of Ponchatoula, with the April 8, 2016 burglary of The Tickfaw Auction Company, owned by a federal firearms licensee. This burglary resulted in the theft of 25 handguns.
If convicted, SEYMORE faces a maximum 10 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
The Grand Jury also handed down a three-count Indictment, charging DEMARCO JONES, age 22, of Tickfaw, and WILLIE WALKER, age 21, of Hammond, for the January 31, 2017 burglary of the same Tickfaw Auction Company. This burglary resulted in the theft of 57 firearms, including assault rifles and handguns. If convicted, JONES and WALKER eachface a maximum 5 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
Additionally in Count 2, JONES is charged with possession of firearms as a convicted felon. JONES has a conviction for simple burglary in the 21st Judicial District Court for the Parish of Tangipahoa. For this conviction, JONES was sentenced to five years probation. If convicted, JONES faces a maximum 10 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
In Court 3, WALKER is charged with receiving three weapons that he should have known were stolen during the burglary. If convicted, WALKER faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives in investigating these cases, along with the Hammond Police Department and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. McMahon is in charge of the prosecution.