After an investigation three individuals have been arrested for the April 13 burglary of the American Arms gun store in the 4500 block of W. Ind. 45, according to Bloomington Police Department Capt. Ryan Pedigo.
Two men, Jesse Kortea, 38-years-old, and Joshua Deckard, 37, gained entry to the gun store by using a cutting torch to gain entry through the rear door at approximately 1:40 a.m. They were documented on surveillance cameras running through the store, and taking several fire arms before fleeing. Their alleged get-a-way driver, April Miller, 38, the girlfriend of Kortea, had driven the men to and from the store. The two men were identified by confidential informants, according to the police.
Investigators found one of the stolen guns at a residence on Leonard Springs road. And on May 5th a Bloomington Police Department found a driver in possession of a stolen firearm during a traffic stop, which was determined to have been purchased from Kortea who cannot legally purchase a firearm due to a domestic battery conviction. However, the firearm sold to the driver by Kortea had originally been purchased by Miller at Rural King. Police also determined that fire arms purchased at Rural King had been bought with the proceeds from the sale of the firearms stolen from American Arms, according to Pedigo.
“The investigating detective petitioned the Court for a search warrant for the residence of Miller and Kortea in the 3900 block of W Roll Ave and the search warrant was granted. Detectives and Federal Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) began surveilling the three individuals believed to be responsible for the burglary on May 8th. Joshua Deckard, Jesse Kortea and April Miller were all arrested in the afternoon of May 8th,” according to Pedigo.
All charges are mere allegations unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Charges are listed as:
- Joshua Deckard: burglary, level 4 felony; carrying a handgun without a license, class A misdemeanor.
- April Miller: burglary, level 4 felony; prohibited sale or transfer of a firearm, level 5 felony; falsifying information when purchasing a firearm, level 5 felony; false statement on a 4473 consent form, level 6 felony.
- Jesse Kortea: burglary, level 4 felony; possession of a firearm by a domestic batterer, class A misdemeanor; carrying a handgun without a license, class A misdemeanor; prohibited sale or transfer of a firearm, level 5 felony.
All charges are mere allegations unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
