(ELKTON, MD) 03/31/2014 – Maryland State Police recovered more than 50 guns in a Cecil County home late last week and are investigating further to determine if the guns were part of an illegal fencing operation that supplied money for drugs in exchange for the stolen property.
The accused is identified as Stephen Molitor, 63, of the 200-block of Locust Lane, Elkton, Md. He is charged with illegal transfer of a regulated firearm, illegal possession of a regulated firearm while prohibited, theft over $1,000, possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, two counts of drug possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A court commissioner set bail at $50,000, which Molitor later posted.
Also charged is Alyssa Schneider, 24, of the 300-block of Kirk Road, Elkton, Md. She is charged with theft between $1,000 and $10,000. She was released on personal recognizance.
The investigation began on the evening of March 27, 2014, when a victim in the 300-block of Kirk Road, Elkton, called Maryland State Police to report three firearms had been stolen from his residence. The victim told troopers a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol, a Bushmaster M4 rifle, and a Sig Sauer RM 400 rifle had been stolen from a gun locker in his home.
Members of the State Police Criminal Enforcement Division were called in to conduct the investigation. The investigation revealed the victim’s daughter, Alyssa Schneider, had obtained the keys to his gun locker and had taken the firearms. Further investigation determined the guns had been sold to Molitor for $500, which the seller used to buy heroin.
State Police worked throughout the night and obtained a search warrant for Molitor’s home, which was served on the morning of March 28th. Inside, troopers found a total of 53 firearms, including 39 long guns and 14 regulated handguns and rifles. Found among the guns were the three firearms reported stolen by the victim. Troopers also recovered more than 450 oxycodone pills that appeared packaged for street level sales.
Investigators learned Molitor was apparently involved in ‘loaning’ individuals cash for items they would bring to him. He charged interest on the loan and, if the loan was not repaid, he would keep the items. Investigators determined Molitor is not a licensed firearms dealer, nor is he licensed to operate a pawn shop.
State Police investigators immediately began a search to determine if any of the other weapons found are stolen. That search is ongoing. The investigation is continuing.
