During 2014, detectives from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a theft case involving multiple firearms, to include semi-automatic assault rifles.

Detectives learned 11 AR-15 .223 caliber rifles were purchased by the suspects, who were operating with a federal firearms license under the business names, The Falcon Sportsman and Maxx Tactical. The suspects issued a fraudulent check for payment of the firearms, then sold the firearms and used the money to pay personal bills.

In 2015, detectives became aware of an additional case involving the suspects.  This case involved 29 assault style firearms. The firearms were supposed to be sold by the suspects under a consignment agreement. The suspects sold the firearms for approximately $40,000, but never paid the victim. Detectives learned the suspects moved and transferred their business to an address in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Detectives worked with Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to obtain a search warrant for the residence and arrest warrants for both suspects.

On March 17, 2015, EPSO detectives, along with Maricopa County detectives, executed the search warrant and placed the Peter and Mary Malone under arrest for multiple counts of theft. During the search, six associated firearms were recovered along with several firearm accessories.

Both Peter and Mary Malone are currently being held in the Maricopa County jail awaiting extradition to Colorado.