Police Execute Search Warrant For Stolen Guns
Two local men were arrested after the Willard Police Department executed two simultaneous search warrants Monday. Brandon S. Hanson, 27, 206 S. Main St. was charged in Norwalk Municipal Court with one count of receiving stolen property and one count of tampering with evidence.
Forrest J. Osborne, Jr., 25, 202 S. Main St., has also been charged with receiving stolen property and tampering with evidence.
"We received a report of a burglary where several firearms were taken," said Willard Police Chief Mark Holden. "We were able to develop information and track several of them to those residences."
Holden said Det. Jeremy Draper of the Willard Police Department and the METRICH Enforcement Unit, was able to get a search warrant for 206 S. Main St. and 202 S. Main St. The houses sit next to each other.
"We hit them both at the same time," Holden said. "We arrested two suspects at the scene."
Police did not recover any of the reported stolen weapons, according to Holden. They did recover ammunition with a lot number consistent with the lot number of other ammunition.
The Norwalk Police Department Special Response Team assisted the Willard Police Department in executing the search warrant. Holden said Major Conney brought the tactical vehicle from Norwalk to South Main Street.
Hanson is set for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 4 at 2:45 p.m. in Norwalk Municipal Court. His bond has been set at $10,000 cash/securities and personal recognizance.
Osborne will have a preliminary hearing in Norwalk Municipal Court on Aug. 4 at 2:45 p.m. His bond was set at $10,000 cash/securities and personal recognizance.
The receiving stolen property charge against both men is a fourth degree felony. If convicted they each face from six to 18 months in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Tampering with evidence is a third degree felony. If convicted each man faces from one to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Originally published in the Willard Times-Junction on August 5, 2014.