WASHINGTON CO. – The Washington County Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrests of three individuals involved in an illegal firearm purchase and intimidation case. Charles Denton, Nathan Mahuron, and Shawn Cooper were taken into custody following an investigation into fraudulent firearm transactions and threats against local government officials.
Denton, 38, of Pekin, faces charges of intimidation against public officials, a Level 5 felony, and two counts of conspiracy to use false information to purchase a firearm, also a Level 5 felony. Mahuron, 29, of Campbellsburg, and Cooper, 31, of Pekin, each faces a charge of using false information to buy a gun, also a Level 5 felony.
The investigation began on January 26 after Walmart employees in Salem flagged suspicious firearm purchases. According to the Probable Cause Affidavit, Denton was denied a firearm purchase due to threats and discrepancies in the federal background check forms. Authorities believe Mahuron and Cooper then stepped in, purchasing firearms on Denton’s behalf using false information.
Denton is also accused of making threatening remarks about a local government meeting. Witnesses reported hearing statements from him that suggested potential violence, including references to “fumigating” the meeting and “standing with arms” against local officials. These comments raised significant concerns among those present.
Officer Michael Thacker of the Salem Police Department led the investigation, gathering evidence from video surveillance and witness statements that linked the suspects to the illegal firearm transactions and threats.
“Threats against public officials and illegal firearm transactions are serious offenses that will not be tolerated in our community,” said Washington County Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt. “Citizens have the absolute right to express concerns about government policies, but resorting to threats or violence is unacceptable and endangers public safety.”
The case highlights the importance of vigilant community members, as the Salem Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, and Walmart employees all played key roles in identifying and addressing the crime.
The charges against the suspects are merely allegations and are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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