What looked like a massive estate sell-off in Person County is now at the center of a major gun theft investigation, after Roxboro deputies say they recovered roughly 700 firearms tied to a stash that was never supposed to leave its original owner’s hands.
The Person County Sheriff’s Office says detectives determined the large cache of guns had been taken without authorization, and several of the recovered weapons are already linked to theft reports from other jurisdictions. The investigation is still very much active, and deputies say they are working to identify additional victims and track down any firearms that may still be out in the wild.
Investigators say they recovered about 700 firearms and that the suspected seller told buyers the guns had been inherited and were being sold legally, according to ABC11. Detectives have already identified six victims connected to the recovered weapons, and several of the firearms now match theft reports from other areas. With the probe ongoing, the sheriff’s office is keeping some details close while deputies continue tracing ownership and trying to locate any remaining weapons.
Hundreds of Guns in One Case Raise Red Flags
Finding hundreds of firearms in a single investigation is rare and has local authorities on edge because stolen guns can move fast, often crossing state lines before anyone realizes they are missing. National reviews of gun trafficking and trace data show that theft and illegal resale fuel a significant share of the “crime guns” recovered by police, complicating efforts to match those weapons back to original owners and specific cases, according to reporting by The Associated Press. That broader picture helps explain why Person County detectives say they are putting heavy emphasis on reaching buyers and coordinating with other agencies that previously reported firearms stolen.
What Deputies Want From Recent Buyers
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who recently bought a firearm from someone claiming the guns came from a large estate inheritance to call the Person County Criminal Investigative Division at (336) 597-0500, ABC11 reported. Buyers who suspect they may have unknowingly purchased a stolen firearm are urged to hang on to receipts, messages, and any other documentation, and be ready to talk with investigators. Law enforcement officials say cooperating can help clear legitimate buyers while also getting stolen property back to its rightful owners. For broader guidance on reporting and tracing stolen firearms, the ATF recommends contacting local law enforcement and submitting official trace requests through established channels.
