‘ATF is watching you’: 80-year-old gun store worker admits to warning suspected traffickers
By Ricky Podgorski, Maria Wilson
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KEENE, New Hampshire (WMUR) — An employee of a gun store in Keene pleaded guilty Tuesday to illegally possessing a firearm and obstructing a federal gun trafficking investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Doug Mulligan, 80, admitted to warning suspected traffickers by leaving notes on their cars that read, “ATF is watching you.”
According to court documents, the federal investigation involved an operation that transported firearms from New Hampshire to Canada.
Officials said Mulligan is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms. He was previously charged with two counts of receiving a stolen motor vehicle in 1976.
Surveillance footage showed Mulligan had a firearm when he purchased another gun from a customer at American Trikes & Motorsports.
The ATF said Mulligan ignored warnings about working at a gun store and possessing firearms, using his position to get around restrictions and interfere with the investigation.
American Trikes & Motorsports declined to comment.
Mulligan’s sentencing is scheduled for July 7. He could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The Department of Justice said it will continue to prosecute those who enable criminals to access guns or interfere with public safety.
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