PENNSYLVANIA — Attorney General Michelle Henry this week announced the charges against a Philadelphia man for allegedly making illegal purchases and distribution of nearly two dozen firearms dating back to 2014. Michael Brickle, 37, is alleged to have purchased 21 guns within a nine-month period in 2022 alone.
Brickle is accused of “straw purchasing,” a practice where an individual buys guns and then sells or transfers them to individuals not legally eligible to purchase or possess firearms. According to the charges, none of the guns were reported lost or stolen, and at least six of them were recovered during separate criminal investigations across the Philadelphia region. Many of the guns recovered were linked to drug crimes, one to a shooting incident, and tragically, one was used by an individual to take his own life.
On Wednesday, Brickle was arrested and charged with over 40 felony counts of violating the Uniform Firearms Act for illegal firearms transfer and false statements made in connection with the purchase of firearms. The charges also include conspiracy, tampering with records, and other related crimes.
Following his arraignment on Wednesday, Brickle’s bail was set at $1 million.
Attorney General Henry emphasized the dangers of straw-purchased guns, stating, “Straw purchasing fuels gun violence in our communities and poses a threat to all who live in surrounding neighborhoods. In this case, the defendant’s actions also contributed to deadly consequences. My office will not tolerate this proliferation of illegal guns and is committed to tracking these purchasers down, and holding accountable the people who knowingly put deadly weapons into the hands of criminals.”
The Attorney General’s Office has prioritized the investigation into straw-purchased firearms and prosecution of straw purchasers and firearm traffickers. It has also promoted the use of the Track and Trace program and expanded Gun Violence Task Forces across the Commonwealth, in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies.
As with all criminal charges, a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office will prosecute this case.
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