A Chanute man was indicted Tuesday on charges of manufacturing silencers in violation of federal firearms laws, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Shane Cox, 44, Chanute, Kan., who owned an Army surplus store called Tough Guys, is charged with 12 counts. The charges include making a false statement during a federal investigation, possession of an unregistered firearm, conspiracy, transfer of a firearm in violation of the National Firearm Act, making a firearm in violation of the National Firearm Act and engaging in business as a dealer and manufacturer of firearms.
The indictment alleges Cox:
• Advertised for sale silencers that were not registered as required by federal law.
• Manufactured silencers without paying federal taxes.
• Possessed silencers that were not manufactured, sold or registered as required by federal law.
• Manufactured a silencer that was not identified by a serial number as required by federal law.
The indictment alleges that on April 21, 2015, Cox made false statements to agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.