Three men were arrested following several recent burglaries of local firearms dealers.
Preston G. Holmes, 23; Matthew D. Jones, 23; and Daniel L. Quarles, 19, were charged with conspiracy and theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer. According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, the conspirators allegedly participated in three burglaries of federally licensed firearms dealers in the last 10 days: The March 11 burglary of 50 West Armory in Chantilly, where they allegedly stole 35 semi-automatic handguns in 45 seconds, and the March 14 burglaries of A.S.H. Tactical and SSG Tactical in Fredericksburg.
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, law enforcement received a tip regarding the identities of the suspects and their criminal conduct. Law enforcement agents executed arrest warrants and each defendant was charged in federal court.
Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress, but the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after the initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Blanchard is prosecuting the case.