Lilburn Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of Firearms

A federal grand jury indicted a Lilburn man this week for possessing illegal firearms.

In a May 23 press release, the U.S. Attorneys' Office said Lilburn* resident Kevin S. Lahey was charged with:

• Possessing two firearm silencers which are not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record
• Possessing and receiving seven firearms while being an unlawful user of controlled substances
• Making false statements in connection with the purchase of three firearms

"This potentially dangerous situation was discovered and defused before it could escalate," said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. "Through the diligence of our federal and local law enforcement agencies, we will continue to work hard to keep our district safe and secure."

Federal officials believe Lahey stole two silencers from a Lawrenceville firearms dealer on February 6. Three days later Snellville police arrested Lahey in connection with an alleged Walmart shoplifting incident, which also involved firearms.

As a result of the shoplifting arrest, Snellville police were able to identify Lahey  as the individual who stole the silencers in Febuary. Officials later learned that Lahey was allegedly planning to attack a government building in Gwinnett County.

Federal officials eventually conducted two searches of Lahey's home, where they discovered illegal silencers.

Lahey's arraignment is scheduled for May 30.

Each of his charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

*(Editor's Note: The U.S. Attorneys' Office indentified Kevin S. Lahey as living in Lilburn, but it has also been reported that he lived in Norcross.)