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Detwiler
Robin Lee Detwiler, 69, of Sour Lake, pleaded guilty to engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson on April 30. According to information presented in court, Detwiler would buy firearms at pawn shops and flip the firepower for profit at public gun shows.
Evidence presented against Detwiler revealed that, in March 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) became aware of a crime that involved the use of a firearm in Canada. Federal agents traced the firearm and determined Detwiler purchased it at a pawn shop in Texas. Further investigation revealed Detwiler purchased multiple firearms at various pawn shops for many years. ATF agents also received information that Detwiler was reselling these firearms at gun shows for a profit. Agents conducted undercover operations at these gun shows and observed Detwiler with a table of firearms on each occasion.
Further, Detwiler distributed business cards with his name and address in Sour Lake for future purchases. One of these gun shows was located in Beaumont, where he sold a firearm to an undercover agent. Law enforcement purchased several other firearms from Detwiler over the course of a few months, which agents verified were bought strictly for resale. Engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license is a federal crime. Detwiler was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 12, 2023. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in federal prison.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.