ST. LOUIS – A St. Francois County man was sentenced to several years behind bars for stealing 13 guns and other high-priced items from a farm and home store in Potosi, Missouri.
A federal judge sentenced Gergory Snyder, 46, to six years and five months in federal prison on Thursday. Snyder was also ordered to pay $11,484 in restitution for the stolen items.
Investigators say, on Sept. 19, 2021, Snyder hid inside the store and emerged after closing time. He stole power tools, camping gear, and 13 guns, including eight rifles and five shotguns.
According to federal court documents, Snyder took the guns and some other stolen goods to a river in Washington County. He returned early the next morning to Potosi, where officers questioned him about the burglary, later leading to his arrest.
Snyder pleaded guilty last August to theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and possession of body armor by a violent felon.
Investigators say two of the stolen 13 firearms have been recovered. Anyone with relevant information on the stolen firearms is encouraged to contact the Potosi Police Department at 573-438-5468, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at 314-768-3120 or click here to leave an online tip.