CAPE GIRARDEAU – Four people, including one felon, have admitted involvement in the illegal sale of firearms, including guns that were later found at crime scenes.
Terry Lee Allen, 38, pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of unlicensed firearms dealing.
On Nov. 19, 2021, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents identified Allen as someone who repeatedly bought multiple firearms from licensed dealers. He was the last known purchaser of seven guns linked to crime scenes in several states, his plea says. Six of the seven guns and 38 of the firearms Allen bought between June 24, 2018, and June 6, 2021, came from Bull Run Weaponry in Marble Hill, Missouri. Bull Run owner William Henry Otto did not report Allen’s suspicious conduct to the ATF.
Undercover ATF special agents bought firearms from Allen twice: two Glock pistols on Dec. 2, 2021, and a Pioneer Arms Corp. “Hellpup” AK-style pistol and two Glock pistols on Dec. 14, 2021. Allen had purchased all the pistols from Otto. Otto falsely reported two of the Glocks had been sold five days after Allen sold them to the ATF agent, Allen’s plea says.
During a Dec. 21, 2021, court-approved search of Allen’s home, agents found 24 firearms and $55,200 cash. Allen admitted not having a Federal Firearms License (FFL).
Otto’s records show that he sold at least 199 guns to Allen, the vast majority of which Allen illegally sold to others. Allen and Otto also exchanged messages in which they discuss Allen’s illegal firearm sales.
Otto, 46, pleaded guilty August 22 to aiding and abetting unlicensed firearms dealing and admitted knowingly aiding Allen in his illegal gun sales.
Otto also pleaded guilty in July in a separate case and admitted allowing a convicted felon, Shawn Dennis Stockard, to use his FFL to buy firearms at an auction house in Illinois. Stockard then transported the guns to Missouri and transferred them to his wife via Otto.
In early 2022, ATF agents learned of Stockard’s gun sales, and of his connection to Otto. During a court-approved search of Stockard’s home, they found 215 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition and numerous accessories, including high-capacity magazines. The Stockards have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
Otto is scheduled to be sentenced November 21. Allen is scheduled to be sentenced November 26.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis is prosecuting the case.