HKparts.net owner Adam Webber has been convicted of tax and gun charges and awaits sentencing that could land him in jail for up to 33 years. Webber had an eight-count indictment dropped on him back in August of 2014 for dealing in firearms without a license, smuggling goods out of the United States, and six counts of filing a false tax return. The indictment went unnoticed by the majority of the gun community, but communities like HKpro were well aware of Webber’s legal issues.

Mid-August of 2014 the ATF seized hundreds of guns including over 200 HK P7 pistols, you can see the full list of the firearms confiscated from Webber here. In March of 2015, another indictment came from the US District Court, this time for thirteen charges. One count of dealing in firearms without a license, four counts of smuggling goods outside the US, one count of giving a false statement to a licensed FFL, one count of giving a false statement during the purchase of firearms, and six counts of filing a false tax return.

Just prior to trial, the two charges involving giving a false statement were dropped. The trial started on September 13th and ended with a gulty conviction on September 23rd.

The USDOJ released a statement on the day of his conviction:

A Salt Lake County, Utah man was convicted today by a federal jury of one count of dealing in firearms without a license and five counts of filing false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney John W. Huber for the District of Utah.

“Individuals such as Mr. Webber, who view themselves above the law and engage in criminal conduct to line their own pockets with funds that belong to the U.S. Treasury, will be held to account for their crimes and face severe consequences, including prosecution and incarceration,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo.  “The Tax Division thanks its colleagues in the District of Utah and other federal agencies for their continued efforts to ensure that everyone pays their fair share.”

Pursuant to an agreement reached with the United States in 2007, Adam Michael Webber, was barred from applying for a federal firearms license or engaging in the business of dealing firearms.  According to the evidence presented at trial, between 2007 and 2008, Webber was the sole owner of HK Parts, an Internet gun parts business that operated originally as a sole proprietorship and later as an S corporation. In 2008, Webber added firearms to his product line and primarily sold them on the Internet at hkparts.net[external link].  He also sold firearms and firearm parts out of the basement of his residence.  Webber never held a federal firearms license and, from 2009 through May 2012, illegally sold firearms under the auspices of a company owned by another Utah resident.  Webber also sold firearms to undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents on two separate occasions, including selling one firearm for cash in a parking lot.  In May 2012, approximately $180,000 in cash, a 70 pound silver bar, silver coins and firearms were found at Webber’s residence during the execution of a search warrant.

Our friends over at RECOIL have a wonderful article up if you are looking for more information. I am disheartened that one of the better sources for HK parts in the US might soon close as a result of Webber’s legal troubles. Hopefully, someone will rise to fill the hole, but follow the law this time around.