Final Defendant Sentenced in Virginia Pawnshop Break-in Scheme

Strategic Insights -

A fifth and final co-conspirator, Austin Blake Hixon, 36, of Christiansburg, Virginia, was sentenced to 86 months in prison for his role in breaking into a Virginia pawnshop and stealing firearms. The scheme involved Hixon, Malcom Stanton, Ronald Perry, and Justin Cumbee, who were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, and Michael Hall, who received a 27-month sentence. The stolen firearms were later sold or traded for drugs, with three of the guns being tracked to Hixon's residence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Austin Blake Hixon, 36, of Christiansburg, Virginia, was sentenced to 86 months in prison for his role in the pawnshop break-in scheme.
  • Four other co-conspirators, Malcom Stanton, Ronald Perry, Justin Cumbee, and Michael Hall, were previously sentenced to 10 years, 27 months, and 10 years in prison, respectively.
  • The scheme involved stealing approximately 15 firearms from 1st Pawn in Fairlawn, Virginia, on November 1, 2022.
  • Three of the stolen firearms were tracked to Hixon's residence, and he admitted to selling or trading the firearms for methamphetamine.
  • Hixon lied under oath about the whereabouts of the stolen firearms, stating that he threw them in the New River.
  • The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and local law enforcement agencies.
  • Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly McGann and Lee Brett are prosecuting the case.

Statistics:

  • Austin Blake Hixon was sentenced to 86 months in prison.
  • Four other co-conspirators were sentenced to a total of 42 years and 27 months in prison.
  • Approximately 15 firearms were stolen from 1st Pawn.
  • Three of the stolen firearms were tracked to Hixon's residence.
  • Hixon admitted to selling or trading the firearms for methamphetamine.
  • The case involved the collaboration of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and local police departments.

Sources:

  • United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia