Firearms dealer pleads guilty to weapons fraud

WILLIAMSPORT — A Centre County licensed firearms dealer has pleaded guilty to a fraudulently selling weapons by failing to maintain required records.

Vernon R. Jodon, 61, of Spring Mills, entered the plea Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Arbuckle III, who released him on personal recognizance pending sentencing.

Jodon, owner of Jodon’s Country Store, said statements in the criminal information were accurate but Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick E. Martin was not asked to summarize the government’s evidence against Jodon.

The maximum sentence for the crime is a year in prison and a $100,000 fine, but Martin said he will recommend probation.

The charge is related to the prosecution of Timothy T. Meyers, 46, who has admitted in court he obtained firearms illegally between 2004 and March 2006.

Meyers, who as a convicted felon may not possess firearms, said when he pleaded guilty he bought about 12 weapons in a conspiracy with Jodon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco launched an investigation in April 2006 after getting a tip that Meyers possessed weapons.

Government agents recovered weapons parts and ammunition when they executed a search warrant at Meyer’s house on Aug. 18, 2006, after a Centre County deputy sheriff discovered two weapons, according to court statements.

Meyers admitted between January and March 2006 he ordered two weapons from a magazine, used Jodon’s federal firearms license number and had them delivered to Jodon’s business.

Meyers then bought the weapons using a third party.

The criminal information alleges that Jodon was aware prior to 2004 that Meyers was prohibited from buying and having firearms.

On Feb. 2, 2006, Jodon is accused of delivering to a gunsmith two firearms with instructions to customize them as directed by Meyers.

Earlier this month, U.S. Middle District Senior Judge James F. Mc- Clure Jr., without objection from Jodon, issued a permanent injunction that prohibits Jodon from selling or transferring weapons and ammunition.