2 men accused of stealing firearms from Phoenix Convention Center gun show
Arvon Reynolds (left) and Xander Jackson.
PHOENIX - Two Arizona men are accused of trafficking firearms that authorities say were stolen from a gun show at the Phoenix Convention Center.
The incident happened on Jan. 15 when 25-year-old Xander Jackson allegedly stole 14 handguns from a display case on the lower level convention hall during the early-morning hours.
What they're saying:
According to court documents, Jackson was working as a temporary employee at the gun show. He was allegedly seen on security video exiting the hall with a black bag before hiding it outside in bushes. Jackson was later seen on video retrieving the bag from the bushes, police said.
Investigators say cell phone records showed that Jackson was at the convention center at the time of the theft. He was arrested on Jan. 27.
"During a search incident to arrest he was found to be in possessio of one of the stolen firearms, hidden in his right sock," court documents read.
Police say Jackson admitted to stealing the guns during questioning and initially claimed he kept three of them and buried the rest. Jackson later changed his story, saying he gave them to people who were going to sell them for him, court documents said.
"Investigators served a search warrant on Xanders apartment and recovered two more of the stolen firearms," court documents read. "In total, three of the 14 stolen firearms have been recovered."
Second man linked to alleged crime
Police say text messages from Jackson led them to another suspect, 19-year-old Arvon Reynolds, who allegedly acted as the getaway driver during the theft.
Reynolds was arrested on Feb. 5. After serving a search warrant on Reynolds' apartment, police say stolen firearms were found.
"During that search the stolen firearms was located in a closet of Arvons bedroom," court documents read. Additionally a second firearm was located in Arvons bedroom in a babys playpen."
Suspects booked
Jackson is being held on a $75,000 bond. He is accused of burglary, trafficking stolen property and theft.
Reynolds is being held on a $50,000 bond. He is accused of trafficking stolen property and possession of weapons by a prohibited person.