MYAKKA CITY, Florida -- More than three dozen guns are missing from the Manatee Gun & Archery Club, according to an audit by the club. The investigation also found that the former president allegedly sold firearms without permission.
The missing guns include a shotgun, pistol and 36 assorted rifles. Their estimated retail value is approximately $28,000.
In September, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the new treasurer noticed discrepancies in the firearm inventory while auditing financial records. An internal investigation revealed that Gene Pitts, former club manager and president, allegedly also failed to control inventory, authorized expenditures without board approval, utilized club credit card(s) for unauthorized purchases and made personal purchases at the club expense.
Pitts has since resigned as manager and is on leave of absence as president.
"The Manatee Gun & Archery Club's current leadership is doing everything in their power to make sure these guns are recovered," said Ron Chapman, president of the Chapman Law Group and attorney for the Manatee Gun & Archery Club. "The club leadership has already taken steps to ensure something like this won't happen again and they are proactively working with law enforcement to ensure those who are responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
The club's executive committee has instituted new safeguards to track firearm purchases, sales and transfers conducted by the club. Any gun purchases, sales, exchanges, and transfer of firearms by the club will be required to go through a dealer holding a federal firearms license. Additionally, private party transfer of firearms will be prohibited from taking place by anyone on club property.
