U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, announced that 33-year-old Darnell Bishop from Benton Harbor has pled guilty to kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Bishop now faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
“My office is laser focused on those few individuals driving gun violence in our communities, including active shooters and gun traffickers,” said Totten. “Darnell Bishop’s brazen crimes, if successful, would have flooded the streets of Benton Harbor and beyond with illegal firearms. I’m grateful to our law enforcement partners for their swift investigative work that put a stop to this criminal scheme.”
Bishop and his co-defendant, Dontrell Nance, were charged for the theft of 123 handguns from the Benton Harbor Dunham’s Sports. According to court documents, Bishop admitted that he and Nance kidnapped the store manager from outside the manager’s home using a pistol, took him to a second location, and coerced him into giving them the store’s alarm code.
Bishop confessed to then going to the store and stealing 123 pistols, which he transported in two large coolers. Law enforcement has since recovered all 123 firearms.
Nance previously pled guilty to kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22.
“Today’s plea is the best-case scenario for our industry partners and their innocent employees. Armed robberies of FFLs are one of ATF’s top priorities,” said Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “The message continues to be clear: There is no place in our community for illegal firearms traffickers and those who choose to target and victimize business owners and employees who are just trying to provide for their families.”
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat gun violence and illegal firearms trafficking. Bishop’s plea deal is a significant step in preventing further crimes and ensuring the safety of the community. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on holding those responsible accountable and protecting the public from the dangers posed by illegal firearms.