Peoria man facing federal charges for allegedly stealing weapons from Smily’s Sports Shop in Bloomington

Posted on December 15, 2021
police car
According to a news release, Edwards-Melton appeared in federal court on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

PEORIA – A Peoria man appeared in federal court on Wednesday on charges alleging he stole weapons at ‘Smiley’s Sports Shop’ in Bloomington.

On December 13, Bloomington Police say 25 guns were stolen from ‘Smiley’s Sport Shop’ just after 5:30 a.m. That includes 24 pistols and one rifle.

Once on the scene, Police noticed Dajuan Edwards-Melton, 20, of Bloomington, allegedly forced his way into the businesses and shattered glass on the firearm display cases.

During an investigation, Edwards-Melton was allegedly found in possession of a firearm stolen from Smileys.

In a court hearing on Wednesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Hawley ordered Edwards-Melton temporarily detained pending a bond hearing on December 17.

If convicted, Edwards-Melton faces up to 10-years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco & Explosives unit, alongside Peoria Police, assisted Bloomington Police in the investigation.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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