DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
District of Nevada

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Daniel G. Bogden
, United States Attorney
Contact: Natalie Collins

Elko County Residents Charged with Possessing Stolen Firearms

RENO, Nev. – Five Elko County residents, including three convicted felons, have been indicted by the federal grand jury in Reno on charges that they possessed multiple stolen firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden for the District of Nevada and ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric D. Harden. 

Joshua James Stout, 29, Danny Duane Wharton, 46, and Sarah Gravelle, 25, of Elko, Nev., are charged with two counts of possession of stolen firearms, and Mason Miller Warren, 37, and Janae Stanton, 24, of Wells, Nev., are charged with one count of possession of stolen firearms.  Warren, Stout and Wharton are also charged with felon in possession of firearms.  The indictment was returned by the grand jury on July 1. The defendants were arrested and had their initial appearances and arraignments on Mon., July 6 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie P. Cooke in Reno.  Defendants Stout, Wharton, and Warren were detained pending trial. Defendants Gravelle and Stanton were released on personal recognizance bonds pending trial.  

“Stolen firearms frequently end up being used in violent crimes and drug trafficking offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Bogden. “We will pursue federal charges against persons who possess stolen weapons, especially against persons who previously have been convicted of felony offenses.”

”Fortunately, we recovered a significant number of stolen handguns, rifles and shotguns in this case before they were used to harm others,” stated Acting Special Agent Harden.  “I would like to specifically thank the Elko County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow for their partnership in the course of this investigation.”

According to the charges in the indictment, on June 3, 2015, the defendants possessed 64 stolen firearms, including handguns, shotguns, and rifles.  On the same date, Stout, Wharton and Gravelle allegedly possessed an additional 12 stolen firearms.  Wharton is charged with felon in possession, as he was previously convicted of a drug trafficking offense in Nevada.  Stout is charged with felon in possession, as he was previously convicted of a stolen goods offense in Nevada. Warren is charged with felon in possession, as he was previously convicted of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm in federal court in Nevada.

The case is being investigated by ATF and the Elko County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow. 

The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.      

 

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