A Michigan man, Darnell Bishop, has pleaded guilty to kidnapping the manager of a sporting goods store at gunpoint as part of a scheme to steal over 100 guns from the business in November. Bishop, 33, faces a potential life sentence after entering a plea deal that included charges of kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime.
Bishop's brother and accomplice, Dontrell Nance, also pleaded guilty to the same charges earlier this year and is awaiting sentencing. The incident occurred on November 16, 2023, at Dunham's Sports in Benton Harbor.
According to authorities, Bishop and Nance went to the manager's home, where they handcuffed and blindfolded him at gunpoint before coercing him to provide the store's alarm code. They then proceeded to the store, where Bishop stole items including coolers, sunglasses, and 123 pistols, while Nance remained with the manager in the car.
The stolen guns, valued at over $100,000, were later recovered by law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Mark Totten emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating that Bishop's actions could have flooded the streets with illegal firearms.
Law enforcement officials praised the swift investigative work that halted the criminal scheme. James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division, highlighted the ATF's commitment to combatting armed robberies of firearms dealers, calling the plea deal a positive outcome for the community.
Bishop's sentencing date has not yet been disclosed, but the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to address gun violence and illegal firearms trafficking in the region.
