An eight-month undercover investigation came to a head Thursday as police arrested six people accused of running an illegal firearm and drug shop out of a Colorado Springs tattoo parlor.
Beginning in November 2007, detectives followed up on a tip that employees at Shrap Metal Tattoo located at 2928 Parker St. in Colorado Springs were selling narcotics and firearms from within the shop.
Over the next eight months, undercover detectives allegedly purchased firearms, including AK-47 type machine guns, and marijuana from employees and associates at Shrap Metal Tattoo.
Thursday, nearly 100 law enforcement officers from the Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the Teller County Sheriff’s Office arrested six people in connection with the case.
Investigators say they found 74 firearms, including two machine guns and two silencers at 30855 Vorenberg Rd., in Calhan. The property is owned by Shrap Metal Tattoo owner Shawn Jackson.
The following people were arrested under the following circumstances:
Clayson Pearce, 27, was arrested on a Federal charge of Possession of a machine gun, after he allegedly met detectives at the Citadel Mall to sell three AK-47 type machine guns and two military style ballistic vests.
Phillip McCall, 35, was taken into custody for a Federal charge of Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm at the Shrap Metal Tattoo. Police say they found money, drug paraphernalia and one firearm.
Jennifer McNeil, 32, and Ralph McNeil, 39, were located at 825 Valkenburg Dr. and arrested for distribution of hashish. During the search, detectives say they found money, 41.9 grams of high grade marijuana, 61.8 grams of hashish, and 17.2 grams of psilocybin (mushrooms).
Shrap Metal Tattoo employee Benjamin Vanornum, 24, was arrested for his involvement in allegedly selling undercover detectives marijuana from within Shrap Metal Tattoo. He was charged with Distribution of Marijuana.
Ryan Middleton, age 27, was also arrested on an unrelated Failure to Appear Warrant.
Charges on Shrap Metal Tattoo owner, Shawn Jackson, are pending.
Police say they also found several items used to make machine guns at Precision Motors located at 316 East Fillmore Street. The owner of the business tells 11 News the items were found in an employee's toolbox, and says his business was not involved in the manufacturing in any way.
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