Two men from Tahlequah face federal conspiracy charges after a year-long investigation into more than 50 stolen firearms.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office says Tyler Stacey and Mohammed Ziyada were arrested in January. They are accused of stealing the weapons from a former police officer in December 2011. Deputies believe Stacey knew the officer personally. Among the 50 stolen firearms were two fully automatic weapons and a short-barreled rifle.
Last June, a man bought one of the stolen guns from Stacey and Ziyada. He contacted investigators after hearing it might have been stolen.
On Thursday, Stacey pleaded guilty to the federal charges. Ziyada is expected to enter a plea agreement.
Deputies say many of the guns have been returned, but some are still missing. They also say more arrests are likely.
