Three charged with providing firearms
Three Susquehanna County men face charges after handguns seized last year during a drug raid were traced back to them.
About 40 to 45 guns, including 14 handguns, were seized from the home of Ernesto Nava at 116 Main St., New Milford, by federal agents on Aug. 7. Mr. Nava was taken into federal custody, charged with conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute, more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Traces on the guns seized were conducted by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives through the National Tracing Center, Susquehanna County detectives said. None of the handguns seized was legally owned by Mr. Nava.
Detectives said Mr. Nava purchased firearms through Stanley Wojtkowski, 50, New Milford, though no paperwork or Pennsylvania Instant Check System inquiries were ever conducted in the handgun transactions. State law requires handgun ownership transfers be conducted at a licensed firearms dealer's business and a PICS check conducted to verify the purchaser's eligibility to own the firearm.
Investigators found Robert Starr Jr. of Great Bend had sold guns to Mr. Wojtkowski. Allen Sydlosky Jr. of New Milford used guns, along with cash, as payment for work done on an excavator by John Phillips. Mr. Phillips' son-in-law is Mr. Wojtkowski.
No paperwork was ever done in connection with the gun sales, detectives said.
Mr. Wojtkowski, Mr. Starr and Mr. Sydlosky all face counts of firearms ownership - duty of other persons.
Preliminary hearings for Mr. Starr and Mr. Sydlosky, both charged with misdemeanors, have been scheduled for Jan. 28 in New Milford District Court.
Mr. Wojtkowski faces felony charges on the counts. His preliminary hearing was continued to Feb. 11.
Contact the writer: swilson@independent weekender.com