Columbus, Ohio (February 16, 2024) – A former Bolivar police officer and the owner of a Strasburg gun shop have admitted their involvement in a scheme to purchase ammunition using unauthorized methods, Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber announced.
Jeffrey Stearns, the former officer, pleaded guilty to one count of telecommunications fraud, a fifth-degree felony, on Tuesday in Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court. G&R Tactical owner William Grant Timberlake had already pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of attempted telecommunications fraud on February 7th.
The investigation began in August 2023 after the Auditor’s Special Investigations Unit received a tip about an officer using tax-exempt status and law enforcement discounts to purchase ammunition.
The investigation revealed that during the pandemic, when ammunition was scarce, Stearns allegedly falsified documents to order over 60,000 rounds for the Bolivar Police Department. However, the ammunition was picked up by Timberlake, and the police department had no knowledge of the transactions and received none of the ammunition.
“This scheme aimed to exploit a system meant to benefit law enforcement, not personal gain,” stated Auditor Faber. “We applaud the work of our SIU in uncovering this activity and holding those involved accountable.”
Timberlake is scheduled for sentencing on March 26th, while Stearns will be sentenced on April 19th.
Key Points:
- Former Bolivar officer Jeffrey Stearns and gun shop owner William Grant Timberlake pleaded guilty to charges related to an ammunition purchase scheme.
- Stearns used falsified documents to order over 60,000 rounds for the police department, but diverted them to Timberlake.
- Stearns faces a fifth-degree felony charge, while Timberlake faces a misdemeanor.
- Sentencing for both individuals is scheduled in the coming months.
