Four arrested in FBI, ATF raid

Money laundering, machine guns, and a neighborhood in lockdown as an army of federal agents storm a local house.

The search for evidence lasted all day and involved assistance from ATF agents and the bomb squad. News 3'sSteve Crupi reports that four men are now in custody, facing charges that include money laundering and the illegal possession of machine guns.

Gunther Circle, normally a quiet cul-de-sac near Charleston and Durango, was all abuzz as a raid was underway. Neighbors say they were stunned Thursday morning when the FBI and ATF swarmed their street and made an announcement directed at the people who were inside the house.

"(They were) screaming out 'this is the FBI - come out with your hands up or we will break down the doors,'" recalls one resident.

Police have confirmed that the 67-year-old owner of the home is one of the four men arrested. His neighbors say he is known by nearly everyone on the street for his angry rants against the government and his affinity for weaponry.

"(I) think I heard something about some hand grenades or something," says one neighbor. "(I've heard) that he has rifles and is kind of weird."

For ten hours, a thorough search of the house continued and bystanders watched as federal agents carried away multiple high-powered weapons. A bomb squad was present as well, but authorities would not comment regarding what evidence they have discovered.

Federal indictments unsealed Thursday afternoon describe a lengthy investigation into alleged check fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and weapons charges. One indictment chronicles an investigation involving well over $1 million-worth of cash.

The four suspects are expected to appear in federal court Friday.

Source: MSNBC