By Nate Walsh
HOLYOKE, Mass. (abc40) -- State police arrested two men from Vermont Thursday evening after a seven-month investigation into firearms trafficking in the city, according to Holyoke police.
State Police assigned to Hampden County District Attorney William Bennett's office arrested 18-year-old Jordan Keagy and 21-year-old Michael Wallner, both of Manchester Center, Vt., shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday at 245 Whiting Farms Road, according to police. Keagy is being held on $100,000 cash bail, and has three prior arraignments in superior court, according to Holyoke police, while Wallner is being held on $50,000 cash bail.
Police allegedly recovered a shotgun and shells, a combination .22 caliber rifle and shotgun and a .38 caliber handgun over the course of the investigation.
Holyoke Police Chief Anthony Scott released a statement on the arrests Friday.
"I commend these troopers, agents and detectives involved in this operation and their success in removing illegal firearms from the streets of this community. Once again these law enforcement officers have demonstrated how successful we can be when we work together to improve the safety of our respective communities. Now it is up to the Hampden County Merry Go-Round of Justice to ensure that these criminal receive the justice they so rightfully deserve," states Scott.
Wallner is being charged with three counts of possession of a firearm without a license, two counts possession of ammunition without a firearms identification card and trafficking in firearms, according to police, while Keagy is being charged with three counts possession of a firearm without a license, two counts possession of ammunition without a firearms identification card, trafficking in firearms, resisting arrest and two counts of assault and battery on a police officer.
The Hampden County Drug Task Force began the investigation in December 2007 when Keagy allegedly attempted to exchange drugs for firearms transported from Vermont in December 2007. According to police, the first transaction occurred in Holyoke in January and the final one occurred Thursday.
