TYNGSBOROUGH, Mass. — Tyngsborough Police Officer Daniel Whitman and his business partner Bin Lu, a Chinese National are facing felony federal gun charges.
The two men run Hitman Firearms, a Tyngsborough gun shop located on the New Hampshire, Massachusetts state line.
Federal prosecutors allege the pair possessed and altered firearms without necessary federal licenses.
In a criminal complaint, the US Government also alleges Whitman and Lu sought to open an indoor gun range that would cater to regional and international customers, with funding from Chinese investors.
According to the complaint, White and Lu also illegally ran gun clinics and training camps for Chinese tourists, without necessary permits from the US State Department.
RELATED: Several guns stolen from Tyngsborough gun shop
At their initial appearance in US District Court in Boston, federal prosecutors said the charges are part of a larger investigation that involves Whitman and Lu’s dealings with China.
Both men were released from custody on bond and they refused to speak with the media.
Tyngsborough Police Chief Richard Howe said its Department has been aware of the investigation and has fully cooperated with federal investigators.
Chief Howe said Officer Whitman is on paid administrative leave from the force pending the outcome of the criminal case.
“I am very troubled by (the allegations),” Chief Howe said. “I have many friends and family in the profession. And if true, this breaches the integrity of our occupation.”
Both Whitman and Lu were ordered to surrender their passports
And they are not allowed to control their own personal firearms.
For now, Hitman Firearms is allowed to remain open.
Read the full release from the Department of Justice here.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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