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Crime & Safety

Two Felons Face Charges After Firing Weapons Inside Controversial Gun Shop

Two were not allowed to possess firearms; Oak Creek man allegedly asked West Milwaukee police if it mattered if he was "really drunk" when he did it.

An Oak Creek man and his friend are facing charges after they allegedly fired guns inside an oft-scrutinized West Milwaukee gun shop and shooting range despite being felons.

Luis Alberto Benavides, 27, of Oak Creek, and Maurice Cartell Sanders, 30, of Milwaukee were charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court Thursday with one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

If convicted, they each face up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

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According to the criminal complaint:

A West Milwaukee police officer was reviewing security footage from Feb. 2 at Brew City Shooter's Supply, 2339 S. 43rd St., when he recognized Benavides and Sanders shooting guns in the store's firing range, despite having just signed forms certifying they were not felons.

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Sanders told police he forgot he was a felon. Benavides also admitted to shooting guns at the scene, but while being booked asked officers "would it matter if I was really drunk when I did it?"

Brew City Shooter's Supply, formerly known as Badger Guns, has been under pressure since it was identified as one of the top suppliers of guns later used in crimes. The shop changed its name earlier this year.

Both men will make their initial appearance in court June 4.Β 

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