A Whitpain Township man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after he allegedly attempted to purchase a firearm in Hatfield Township while being prohibited from doing so.
According to the criminal complaint, Hatfield Township Police received a Request for Criminal Investigation from the Pennsylvania State Police on Aug. 20 regarding a background check for 24-year-old Joseph Collins, who had allegedly attempted to make a firearm purchase at American Arms and Ammunition, located at 808 Bethlehem Pike.
Investigators learned that on May 3 at 7:07 p.m., Collins attempted to purchase a Glock 9mm handgun, and in doing so, he allegedly answered “no” to background check questions regarding if he was prohibited from purchasing or owning a firearm, the report states. The purchase was ultimately denied, as Collins had an active felony case in Bucks County involving deceptive business practices, theft, forgery, receiving stolen property and other felony charges, according to the report.
Police met with an employee from American Arms and Ammunition on Oct. 28, who confirmed that Collins provided photo ID and filled out the proper forms in the presence of an employee, the report states. Two days later, police filed charges against Collins, and he was later taken into custody on Nov. 8.
As a result of the investigation, Collins has been charged with two felony counts of making materially false written statements, and two misdemeanor counts of making false statements under penalty.
Collins was arraigned on Nov. 8 by Magisterial District Judge Andrea Duffy, who set bail at $10,000 unsecured. He was then released from custody, and his next court appearance is a preliminary hearing in front of Judge Duffy on Dec. 9 at 11:45 a.m.
Collins is being represented by Norristown-based Basil D. Beck III, ESQ.
(Editor’s note: All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause, and reflects the point of view of the police. Should the defendant choose to issue a public statement, or is later found not guilty or has the charges dropped, we will update this article accordingly.)
See also:
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Husband, Wife Write 22 Bad Checks To Wegmans, Receive Over $4,500 In Merchandise: Police
Towamencin Man Charged With DUI While Awaiting Hearing On Rape, Kidnapping Charges
