Man Who Posted Photos of Guns Stolen in Maine Pleads Guilty

A Maine man who posted photos on Instagram of guns stolen from a pawn shop has pleaded guilty.

Weren't There Two Men in This Case?

Ryan Ansart, 22, of West Springfield, Massachusetts was in a Bangor courtroom on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and stealing firearms from that dealer.

He worked with a co-conspirator, Damiean Marcial-Alexander, 21, of Waterville on a plot to steal firearms from JR's Trading Post and Pawn Shop in Waterville.

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How Did the Police Catch Up to Them?

In April 2023, the two men carried out their plan, broke into the store, and stole multiple firearms. Among the stolen guns were a Glock, Model 17 Gen5 9mm pistol, and a Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver. The U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Maine says an ATF Theft/Loss report states 15 firearms in all were stolen, including six revolvers, and nine semi-automatic pistols.

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The police caught up to the two men after an investigation turned up evidence like Instagram and text messages containing details planning the theft, including a map to the location from Marcial-Alexander's apartment and photos of the two men holding some of the stolen firearms.

What Type of Prison Sentence Could They Get?

Ansart faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, followed by up to three years of supervised release.

Alexander pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024, and faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, followed by up to three years of supervised release. They will be sentenced at a later date.