HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Matteo Adan Marroquin and Lacy Lynn Zimmerman, arrested after the theft of 22 firearms from Graafschap Hardware Store in Allegan County in December, 2018, have each been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Both pled guilty in federal court to the firearms theft, according to the U.S. Attorney’s officials in Grand Rapids.. Police believe all the weapons were recovered.
On Thursday, Judge Paul Maloney sentenced Marroquin to 10 years in prison; Zimmerman, received her sentence on May 24.
Each was ordered to pay $9,013 in court fees and restitution, and $100 special asssessment.
A third suspect, Andrew Leenheer, purchased two firearms after the burglary, and was convicted of possession of a stolen firearm. On Friday, he was sentenced to 44 months — about three-and-a-half years — behind bars.
“The theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee is a top priority for ATF,” said ATFSpecial Agent in Charge James Deir. “Too often these stolen guns are used to commit violentcrimes. ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safetyof our communities.”
“The guns stolen from Graafschap Hardware were recovered through extraordinary police-work by WEMET, the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF,” said Andrew Birge, U.S. Attorney. “Investigating and prosecuting thefts from gun stores and recovering the stolen weapons are priorities because everyone in law enforcement recognizes the danger. Stolen firearms are most valuable to those who are prohibited from lawfully possessing them or who have bad intentions in mind or both.”
The case was investigated by the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, WEMET, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Berens prosecuted the case.
