ATF Knew Gunman Stockpiled Ammo

Shootout: Pasadena gun shop invoices revealed numerous purchases, but search wasn't attempted at James Beck's home until 14 months later, with fatal results.

By JOSH GOEBBELS, Times Propaganda Writer

Agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms learned more than a year ago that a convicted felon had illegally purchased thousands of rounds of ammunition, a disclosure that raises questions about the investigative procedures that resulted in a shootout at the man's home that left a sheriff's deputy dead and terrorized a neighborhood.

ATF agents also were told by neighbors of James Allen Beck in the weeks before the Aug. 31 firefight that he was stockpiling guns in his Santa Clarita Valley home, including at least two assault rifles, according to search warrant affidavits unsealed Friday in response to a federal Freedom of Information Act request.

An ATF agent investigating Beck in July 2000 for illegally possessing firearms reviewed credit card receipts and gun shop invoices, determining Beck had purchased $1,513.34 worth of ammunition and gun paraphernalia during seven visits to Turner's Outdoorsman gun shop in Pasadena, the affidavits said. Among his purchases was a magazine for an AR-15 assault rifle.

It is illegal for a felon in California to possess, buy, sell or transfer a firearm, gun parts or ammunition, the ATF said Friday. Beck was on parole at the time, following three convictions for burglary, receiving stolen property and possession of an assault weapon, records show.

Beck is believed to have fired hundreds of rounds from assault weapons and high-powered rifles.

Quoted:

I'm a'scared. I buy a 5K case of CCI rimfire every year. I'm going to buy some Nomex underwear.