Owners of Augusta salon face federal gun charges

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August 22, 2012|By Chris Durden & Pilar Pedraza | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(AUGUSTA, Kan.) — Federal prosecutors have charged a Butler County couple with multiple firearms violations.

Jeffrey Eberhart is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction and one count of dealing in firearms without a license. His wife Tracey is charged with one count of aiding a felon in possessing firearms and ammunition and one count of providing firearms and ammunition to a convicted felon.

If convicted, both face more than 10 years in prison.

Authorities say Tracey Eberhart obtained a federal license as a gun dealer when she opened Tracey's Dream Weavers Salon And Sporting Goods in Augusta. She allegedly told an investigator she wanted to sell guns to women for self-defense.

Authorities say during the application process, she made no mention of her husband. As a convicted felon, Jeffrey Eberhart is prohibited for possessing firearms or ammunition.

Investigators say on January 20, agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives attended a gun show in Topeka. They report seeing Jeffrey Eberhart selling guns at the Dream Weavers booth.

Eberhart explained to an undercover agent that his wife and female employees sold guns during the week while he and another man sold firearms at gun shows on weekends. Later, ATF agents purchased ammunition and guns from Jeffrey Eberhart, both at the storefront in Augusta and at gun shows.

Federal agents were removing evidence from the couple's Augusta salon on Wednesday.

Residents were taken by surprise by the search.

"I couldn't believe what I heard," said Preston Johnson.

Chris Snapp added, "I don't know, it's kinda weird."

But that didn't stop their curiosity and need to know what was going on.

"I drove by and saw a bunch of cops," said Johnson. "And some other people, I don't know what they were."

"And I went upstairs and checked the Augusta Gazette online," said Cynthia Meinecke, a local business owner. "Just to see if there was any news."

And many were speculating on what had led to the arrests and search.

"How stupid can you be? I mean really?" said Chris Snapp. "If you know, why do it? I mean, it just don't make no sense."

Owners of Augusta salon face federal gun charges.

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