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Updated: 10:49 PM Jun 13, 2008
Undercover Investigation Busts Illegal Gun, Drug Shop
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. Posted: 2:33 PM Jun 13, 2008Reporter: KKTV Email Address: News@kktv.com |
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Posted by: TM
Location: CS
on Jun 18, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Sean, Shrap Metal, or anyone else can not be held responsible for Philip or Clay's actions. First of all, Clay is not an employee of the tattoo shop, he is a friend of Philip's. Second of all, if Philip was doing something illegal no way was he going to let any of the other employees, or the owner, know because he knew he would have immediately been fired. Sean is being targeted because he is a collector of LEGAL guns and because he is the owner of the shop, he did nothing illegal and has not been arrested. Shrap Metal remains open and business is booming as usual so if you want great work for a reasonable price go see Adam or Fred. Don't forget to get pierced by Chris or Mike while you're there. There is no need to worry about your safety or anything else for that matter because only the good remain while the bad and the ugly are no longer around. I am so disappointed in the media for not reporting the correct information. This goes to show you can't believe all you hear! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: km
Location: cs
on Jun 18, 2008 at 12:34 AM
JK - prime example of why the left-wing media always select to interview what society references as *rednecks* with racist leanings to show what is perceived some gun owners are not the brightest apple in the tree. Some gun owners clearly show a double standard. Lock and throw away the key for crimes committed with guns and then scream 2nd amendment for those good ole boys illegally selling the guns. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Terry
on Jun 17, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Tattoo you are an A hole. Lock these people up for about 50 years. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: cs resident
Location: cs
on Jun 17, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Unbelievable, the support from friends of the dope heads, drug runners and gun runners. Ignorance by the owner ( as the supporters are claiming) is not excusable. Perhaps he was on drugs and didnt realize his employees were selling instead of smoking it? HAHA BS somewhere else, 8 month long investigation wont be a blind one [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: JK
Location: cs
on Jun 17, 2008 at 03:36 PM
wow, most amazing, if the story was about person (s) of another race, there would be a million posts saying look at the criminals,they should be locked up keys thrown away , but with the charges, drugs and guns these people arrested are good people because they dont have dark skin [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: km
Location: cs
on Jun 17, 2008 at 02:45 PM
if mr jackson's firearms are legal - he'll get them back. Silencers are legal in Colorado if the owner has paid the correct tax stamp. What was taken from his house could've been because that is police procedure, but not likely as charges of illegal ownership would not have happened. However, I'll stand by my original statement how there is absolutely no way he as a business owner could not have known some type of illegal activity was going in his B&M store- even if it was only one employee as some claim ..... the neighbors knew. Besides, it is apparent some of his defenders here are from the gun boards mr jackson belongs ....... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: TATTOO
Location: FREAKS
on Jun 17, 2008 at 02:34 PM
ALL PEOPLE WITH TATTOOS ARE CRIMINALS ANYWAYS. THEY ALL SHOULD BE LOCKED UP! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: savanna
Location: C/S
on Jun 17, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Right michelle, I'm not part of that community and I'm not defending the cops, they found the guns and dope and that's what matters. Leave what alone????? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: michelle
Location: cs
on Jun 17, 2008 at 10:00 AM
to savanna..... no one is saying the cops are wrong, what they are saying is that the shop owner had no knowledge in the activities ... and for you to defend the cops means your not apart of that community, which is fine, just leave the thing alone [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: savanna
Location: C/S
on Jun 17, 2008 at 09:14 AM
All of you backing the gun, dope selling creeps are freaks and deserve one another. Of course your gonna say nothing went on in the shop. Udercover cops didn't just make this whole thing up. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: ami
on Jun 17, 2008 at 07:42 AM
go to holly rollers they do great work. plus you get what you pay for [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Sarah
Location: Springs
on Jun 17, 2008 at 02:16 AM
Man, I wish they would have offered me some pot after I had my monroe done. Probably would have been bad for the piercing though, eh? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: cmk
Location: cheyenne wells
on Jun 16, 2008 at 07:38 PM
shawn is a gun freak, all the guns they took from him are legal i have seen most of his collection and highly doubt that he would sell any of his guns, to him his guns are like his kids they are his life! shawn is a GREAT guy who would give the shirt off his own back for ne one in the world, i will stand behind him and suport him, he has treated me with great respect the many times i have been in the shop and will back him until they prove me wrong! so you guys should stop bashing shawn! you know ppl make mistakes no one is perfect some ppl just dont learn. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: cs33
Location: c/s
on Jun 16, 2008 at 04:56 PM
FYI people, the media only reports the info. provided in the reports/indictment/infomation they recieve from the arresting agencies and/or court system. The report only states charges are pending against the owner; not that he was charged yet. It is AGAINST the law for a previously convicted felon to possess a firearm or balistic vest(all the felons know that), and last I checked weed was still illegal...woe is the drug addict who keeps making bad decisions and isn't "perfect" What a great idea to sell some dope and guns. Last thing I want is some tweeked out meth-freak getting a gun! Get over yourselves - the report didn't say they were "bad" - only reported their "alleged" activity/charges... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Don
Location: Colo Springs
on Jun 16, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Of course the headline for this story will continue to read "Illegal Gun, Drug Shop" even though we now all know that is false information. And I doubt that the BATF will ever return the cash they seized from the shop register or safe, the proceeds of the shop's legitimate business... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: B
Location: c/s
on Jun 16, 2008 at 11:07 AM
You are right Amber. I am amazed to see how many people have just accepted what the media is spoon feeding them with. The one employee referred to is just that, only one of the people arrested is a pay rolled employee of the business. All of the weapons seized at Shawn’s home were legally acquired and registered. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Amber
Location: COS
on Jun 16, 2008 at 12:11 AM
I think its so sad to see how people believe the media! The media is so unreliable and will do anything to get the attention on the viewers! Shawn is a very good business owner and didn't even know this was going on. It was in fact only one employee who was doing this. People need to wake up, quit being so judgemental and realize the media isn't always correct! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: cs resident
Location: colorado springs
on Jun 15, 2008 at 11:47 PM
HORRIBLE !!!! Lucky the undercover agents got the weapons, what if the weapons got into the hands of criminals and were used in robberies, assaults and murders? if one of the weapons was used in a shooting and someone got hurt or even killed, then the same people posting comments that these are not bad people (for selling illegal weapons to other criminals) would be decrying and putting down the police department and law enforcement for not doing anything. What if these weapons that were seized by law enforcement had ended up on the streets in the hands of criminals? would you defend the same people for selling the weapons to gangsters, other drug dealers ? what if these weapons were used in shooting of innocent people? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: KM
Location: CS
on Jun 15, 2008 at 09:23 PM
larissa, yes many have done wrong in their own lives. However very few can include gun running and drug dealing to their resume. When anyone decides the easy way in life is to sell illegal guns and drugs it becomes everyones business. You're quiTE right, I don't know those "boys" very well - thank you for that safe reminder! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: larissa
Location: 719
on Jun 14, 2008 at 10:32 PM
well all i have to say is these guys are not badd guys....yeah they might of made a bad decision but they are amazing. they are nice and friendly. i am positive everyone has done wrong in there life and this was there chance to do wrong. they served there time and most likely learned there leason! just quite talking about them cause if you are that shows you dont know those boys very good. so just keep it to yourself and mind your own buissnes :] i love you boyz [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Thomas Y
Location: Colorado
on Jun 14, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Well I went to Phils house. No one was there and his naighbor said Phil was in jail and his girl was coming back now and then to feed the dogs. I will do anything to get Phil back, he is a great guy and I dont beleive he was involved in all of that. I beleive his charges tho, he does have a drug addiction, but thats not new. Not everyone can be perfect [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous
on Jun 14, 2008 at 04:10 PM
thomas- i tried the inmate locator and i couldnt find any of them so they mut have bonded out. but idk if they will b back at wk? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Melissa
Location: colorado springs
on Jun 14, 2008 at 01:51 PM
I had a memorial tat done a year ago. It was an emotional thing for me. and between Shawn and ...was it Adam? I think Adam did the actual tattoo, anyway, between the two of them, they made me comfortable and I have a wonderful piece that really has a lot of meaning in it for me. I'll continue to go back. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: cmk
Location: cheyenne wells
on Jun 14, 2008 at 10:00 AM
I have been in sharp metal many times have gotten 10 or more peircing, a dozen or so tats and have never had any problem with any "clean" issues, i personaly know shawn as well he is a great guy and gaurentee that he would of gotten rid of these ppl if he would of known better dont bash the business because of some bad apples i will contuine to suport shawn and sharp metal. I also personaly know Phil McCall he is also a good guy but as well all know some ppl make mistakes! Being around all of these ppl in sharp i have never once been offered weed and i have been doing business there for 3 and half yrs, so you all can spread lies and rumors but thats all they are and look at the neighbor hood they are in id have a gun too! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Anonymous
on Jun 14, 2008 at 09:16 AM
No need to be rude, just cause they did wrong don't mean they're bad people. M- it must have not been that bad if you went back! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Thomas Y
Location: Colorado Springs
on Jun 14, 2008 at 02:00 AM
Man, I was getting a sleave done by Phil, I dont know if they let prisoners give tattoos. I wonder where he is [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: KM
Location: CS
on Jun 14, 2008 at 01:53 AM
unless mr jackson was an absentee business owner, there is no possible way he wasn't aware of the illegal activity at his business. as for raiding the mechanical shop - one of the people arrested in shrap raid lead them to the employee and not the shop. However, most tools utilized in manufacturing/altering weapons are everyday common tools - usually found in every tool box in most house..... even those tool boxes hubby's put together for wifey. Good luck to the ATF in making the "tool" making charge stick [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Don
Location: Colo Springs
on Jun 13, 2008 at 11:52 PM
When the truth comes out, it will be clear that the raid by the ATF discovered no illegal firearms and only a small amount of pot at Shrap Metal, but of course that won't be newsworthy. The illegal firearms stuff involved only one employee who is now behind bars. Most of the employees and the business owner are good people that happened to get caught up in this media fiasco. And the shop is still open because they did nothing wrong. They are the most reputable piercing place in this town. Anyone who had a problem with their piercings probably just didn't follow the strict instructions given to all customers and now simply wants to blame someone else... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: A
on Jun 13, 2008 at 10:52 PM
I personally knew Shawn and I can say in all the time I knew him he never did anything legit. Now after all these years its finally nice to see that the guy gets caught for the devious, awful things he has been doing. I agree lock them ALL up and throw away the key. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Jo
Location: cs
on Jun 13, 2008 at 10:46 PM
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PIERCINGS DONE THERE AND REFERED OTHERS WHO WERE VERY SATISFIED. I FOUND ALL EMPLOYEES TO BE VERY EFFICIENT, RESPSONSIBLE AND PROFESSIONAL AND THEY ALWAYS DID CLEAN THEIR EQUIPMENT!!! THE OWNER ALWAYS MADE SURE TO GET ID'S REGARDLESS OF AGE. YES, THEY HAD GOOD PRICES AND ALL THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ARE TOTALLY WRONG! I AM A RESPONSIBLE ADULT AND IT IS WRONG TO JUDGE THE OWNER AND ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE WAY SOME HAVE COMMENTED! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: J
Location: Fort Collins
on Jun 13, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Although this story is pretty intense, I'm not going to discredit their work. I got my nose pierced there and they did a fantastic job. It's crazy though.... [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Flea
Location: C/S
on Jun 13, 2008 at 09:50 PM
M, maybe you shouldn't get pierced in those places? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Susie-Q
Location: Colorado Springs
on Jun 13, 2008 at 09:37 PM
where the hell am i gonna get pierced now? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: M
Location: colorado springs
on Jun 13, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I have been there 2 times, once with a friend to get a piercing and once by myself to get a piercing, they messed me up so bad, I had to go to the ER, I could not see out of my eye or open my jaw due to the swelling of an ear piercing. I can't do anything, I signed. They didn't clean anything! They tried to sell my friend weed! lock them up! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: J
Location: Springs
on Jun 13, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I am a personal friend of Shrap Metal owner Shawn Jackson, and would like to state that Shawn is as shocked and disturbed by this incident as any member of our community. He is a respectable man and business owner, and would have never allowed for these activities to take place had he been aware. His family and business hold the upmost importance to him, and it is unfortunate to see his reputation scorned over misleading facts. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: A
Location: c/s
on Jun 13, 2008 at 07:17 PM
It will be nice IF the media ever gets the story straight. What will end up happening is the charges will be dropped and no one will ever hear about it again; but the image the media leaves you with is that they are all bad people. The information they are providing to you about how these people are associated is wrong. Why didn't they raid the house of the guy that owns the mechanic shop? [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Dave
Location: C/S
on Jun 13, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Hardly what I would call a reputable business. [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: M
Location: colorado springs
on Jun 13, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Now you know how they could afford to do such cheap, shoddy work! Good Riddance! [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: kim
Location: cos
on Jun 13, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Okay, I'm all for loving thy neighbor...but these guys are just taking up space and breathing our air.........I hope there are no kiddos involved [ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: D
Location: Colorado Springs
on Jun 13, 2008 at 03:20 PM
I give you the old skool Arseno Hall arm pump while "hoo hoo hooting" like an idiot. Nicely done! Hopefully the D.A. will bust their butts to maximize the sentence. It'll be like Captain Planet.."our powers combined we can save this town". Again, nicely done. [ Report Abuse ] |
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m and b said "whats wrong with this world is that we hear more of the bad then good" okay so the fact that tattoos are invovled it makes it okay for this conduct to happen. tell the ppl who are gonna get mowed down by a machine gun, "hay its okay they do great tats, brah" if this owner is making as much money thats thrown around,he would have to do 26 tats/piercings a month @100 a rip all year. that doesnt include employee earnings,overhead,insurance, and equipment. I pray for the family that they understand his intentions but not be naive so much to overlook their own futures.its a free country but our forefathers didnt include "the right to manufacture unlicensed firearms from a tattoos shops money in the constitution". now did they. i guess one tat dude spent/saved all his money earned to fund this operation.
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I used to get all of myy tattoos done at shrap byy phil. he is bomb. mayybe his charges are real, but i havent gotten a tattoo done since he got taken from shrap.
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oops I am sorry it was bought by a cop?? if they had good reason to go in and do what they did they sure in hell would of not had to do what they did. it was one man with a bad intention and just happen to work there...
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cont... why dont you go there and take a look around. you will find the most talented and respected people. now I hope you all can see that these boys are great. People with tattoos are not bad. maybe ask your doc or your attorney or maybe even your grandfather who served in the war so you could have freedom if they have one? should they be locked up? whats wrong with this world is that we hear more of the bad then good. when is the last time you commented on a story that was about someone helping another? Oh and by the way dont you all forget that the gun was sold by an cop! hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
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cont.... Cs33.. I have a couple of words for you... first off, these reporters do not get their info from what you think.. I am a neighbor of Shrap Metal and I personally watched the news reporters sit outside of the shop hunting down people to get a story. even on reporter chased another neighbor to get her story.. humm where you there? did you really care? find the facts out before you make yourself look and sound as stupid as you did on here! Now.. as for the others that were caught up in this non-sense.. Clay, jennifer,ryan,and ralph they were NOT employees of Shrap metal. so therefore it amazes me how all of you that have read this B.S. Believe in it. if you know these guys you would know they had nothing to do with Shrap. Humm another moment of slience I think you all should take before you speak. Shrap Metal was not charged with anything but got a rep because the ATF wasted your money on trying to make themselves look good. Before you write judgement on someone you dont know
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First off I have to give a few thanks to some of those who left great comments on here. Thanks to A,J,JO,DOM,CMK,RISSA,B,AMBER MICHELLE,DANITA.. if I missed some just know I thank you! Now..... Let me say some to others... "T" nice to know you cant give a real name... Lock up and throw away the key?? what is your status in the community of Colorado Springs? "D" you sound as if you live in a world of cartoons.. where in the hell do you speak like that concerning others? take your He-man explaination and go back to pre-school. Dave, what kind of business do you run that you have never heard of someone else talking about another business in a way that could ruin them? "M" maybe if you learned personal hygeine your piercing would of not ended you up in the ER. Flea.. sounds as if you had a better name you might understand the reasons of getting piecerd there.. yes it does feel well.. "A" it sounds as if these guys took your business.. hummmm sad for you. deviess no? awesome - yes they are
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I ahve known clay for many many years, he taught me to ride dirt bikes. It sickens me to see people and the media trying to paint him as a drug addict, dealer or out of control criminal. he was simply a fan of firearms, just like many of your neighbors, brothers, sons, and friends.
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I think that there a better ways to see old friends then to see them on the news.
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I have known Shawn since 2004 and have to say he is a legit self made business owner who the conservatives in the COS area cannot accept. I mean he has sleeves and big piercings in his face what a freak. He must be doing something bad. If he is a criminal where are the charges at now? Why is he open? Why were all his guns legal and his backgrounds for all those weapons clear? If a Taco Bell clerk steals cash from the drawer or sells a joint to a customer is the entire Taco Bell chain expected to know of the behavior? How about criminal acts at churches that happen right here in COS? Where is the follow up that state only 1 person has been jailed? Open your eyes people. I think I need to make a special trip back down to the Springs for another tat just to make sure his business is still doing good in spite of the poor reporting by the media.
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WHO EVER WROTE THE COMMENT ALL PEOPLE WITH TATTOOS ARE CRIMINALS ARE YOU SO CLOSED MINDED I'AM 51 YEARS OLD WITH A TATTOO OF A CLOUD BLOWING STARS i KNOW MANY OLDER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THEM AND ARE GETTING THEM i BELIEVE IN God yet I DO WONDER WHY HE CREATED CLOSE MINDED PEOPLE LIKE YOU.iT'S ART..... CREATIVITY da!
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Thanks Michelle! Some people keep saying that Shawn, as the owner, had to have known what was going on. Look at it this way: A parent spends more time with their child than an owner does with his employees and not even parents know everything their child is doing! Shawn also has a business in the mall to run so he is rarely at the shop. So it's no surprise that he wasn't aware of what was going on. If you think you know EVERYTHING that ANYONE is doing, think again. All it takes is a little bit of common sense people. To TATTOO....if you think all people with tattoos are criminals anyway you really must have mental issues...or are you one of the "Bible beaters" who likes to point the finger while doing worse things than any of us have ever thought of? Don't judge lest ye be judged. I'll have you know, Jesus loves me AND my tattoos! ;D Got the shirt to prove it.
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to savanna.... i mean leave it alone, there is nothing to be done that hasnt already been put into action, and everyone should find something better to do with there time than conspire about a group of ppl .... there are real things wrong in this city, that maybe we should be more focused on.... and victoria, kudos to you dude.... nice outlook onthings, they shop is glad to have loyal customers like you!!!
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why is it scrap metal instead of shrap where do you get your info cuz its so very wrong
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I don't have any tattoos or piercings. I try not to judge people by their appearance. I have what would be considered a very respectable job. I can't say I know Shawn well, but I have spoken with him several times and we have some mutual friends. He has always been a real decent person to me and I like him. I hope he is innocent of the crimes being reported. And it would be nice if people withheld judgment until all the facts were in. That's all.
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I am a customer of Shrap Metal and I am amazed at how the media has blown this story way out of proportion. I remain a faithful customer because the people who were doing wrong are now behind bars and deserve what ever it is they had coming to them. I refuse to hold what one felon did against the entire shop. I've had nothing but good experiences and awesome work from there. I was present the day this raid went down and I'm sure the law enforcement while highly disappointed in what their 8 month investigation turned up. However, they did catch the guy they were after so at least one good thing came of it. Only one of those people arrested was an employee of the shop so I think it's slanderous to the shop and unfair to the people that they tied in Clay, Jen, Ralph, and Ryan when they have no affiliation with the tattoo shop. I'm glad to report that all of this has had no effect on business. People will continue to talk and say untrue things but meanwhile, business will go on.
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