An investigation is underway at a Manatee County shooting range to find dozens of missing guns.
Deputies are working to determine how 38 guns went missing from the Manatee Gun and Archery Club in Myakka City.
“The last thing in the world we want to happen is for these guns to get in the wrong hands and something bad to happen,” said James Judge, spokesmanwith the Manatee Gun & Archery Club.
Judge said during an audit, they discovered the guns were missing from their inventory.
The missing guns include a shotgun, pistol, and 36 assorted rifles all valued at $28,000.
The club is now working with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to try and find those responsible.
In addition to the missing guns, an internal investigation revealed an employee sold club firearms without permission and was in probable violation of federal gun control laws.
“The Manatee Gun & Archery Club’s current leadership is doing everything in their power to make sure these guns are recovered,” said Ron Chapman, president of the Chapman Law Group and attorney for the Manatee Gun & Archery Club. “The club leadership has already taken steps to ensure something like this won’t happen again and they are pro-actively working with law enforcement to ensure those who are responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
As a result of this incident, the executive committee of the Manatee Gun & Archery Club has instituted new safeguards to track firearm purchases, sales and transfers conducted by the club.
“Any firearm transfer of purchase or sale conducted by the club will now be required to go through a licensed federal firearms dealer,” said Judge.
Additionally, private party transfer of firearms will be prohibited from taking place by anyone on club property.
Anyone with information about the missing guns is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011.