Tyler Man Guilty of Federal Firearms Violations
Smash-and-Grab from Gun Dealer is Federal Offense

TYLER, TX—A 29-year-old Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Robert Earle Toole pleaded guilty to burglary of a federal firearms licensee today before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, on Mar. 25, 2009, Toole and another individual broke into Nix Finance in downtown Tyler by forcing their way through the door. Once inside, they smashed glass cabinets which contained weapons and stole 20 firearms. The offense is a federal crime because the store owner held a federal firearms dealers license.

Toole faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition, and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

This case was investigated by the ATF, the FBI, the Tyler Police Department, and the Smith County Sheriff's Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Middleton.