http://pacific.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2009/10/05/daily40.html

Feds indict Honolulu gun dealer on tax chargesPacific Business News (Honolulu)

A federal grand jury has indicted a Hawaii firearms dealer on tax crimes, charging him with setting up phony businesses to hide the money he made from selling weapons.

Arthur Lee Ong, who owns Magnum Firearms in Honolulu, is charged with defrauding the federal government and six counts of tax evasion from 2000 to 2005, the U.S. District Attorney’s office in Hawaii said Wednesday.

According to the indictment, Ong, 51, failed to report income he earned from selling firearms to federal, state, county and military agencies as well as the public.

He created multiple businesses, falsified tax returns to hide his income, and evaded more than $300,000 in taxes during the five-year period, according to the indictment.

Ong, 51, will be arraigned on Oct. 14.

Magnum Firearms, at 940 Queen St., describes itself as one of Hawaii’s leading firearms dealers. In addition to its Kakaako showroom, it has a shooting range and is an NRA-certified training facility that provides mandatory firearms safety courses.

Wow - I don't normally shop there, but I did get my handgun safety training with Art.   That he was indicted already (instead of being under investigation) says a lot.  I didn't have much experience with him or Magnum firearms, but others who did didn't seem to have a high opinion of him. 

Wow, that is big news. He might have to go to jail for this one.

I was able to meet him the one time I stopped by his shop. Seemed like a nice enough guy in person, but I have also heard many negative reviews from people with longer relationships. I was impressed with the selection in the store though.

Karma...

ART GOT 51 Months!


A federal judge sentenced Honolulu gun dealer Arthur Lee Ong this afternoon to 51 months in prison for tax evasion.

Today's conviction makes it unlawful for Ong to own or possess firearms or ammunition.

His lawyer, Robert K. Fricke, said Ong is donating his Kakaako business, Magnum Firearms, to New Hope International.

New Hope Christian Fellowship founding pastor Wayne Cordeiro, who attended today's sentencing, said the organization plans to sell the business.

ART GOT 51 Months!


A federal judge sentenced Honolulu gun dealer Arthur Lee Ong this afternoon to 51 months in prison for tax evasion.

Today's conviction makes it unlawful for Ong to own or possess firearms or ammunition.

His lawyer, Robert K. Fricke, said Ong is donating his Kakaako business, Magnum Firearms, to New Hope International.

New Hope Christian Fellowship founding pastor Wayne Cordeiro, who attended today's sentencing, said the organization plans to sell the business.

Wow.  I don't wish bad for anyone but I hope Art turns to God for help during this time of his life.

Art would always quote the bible.  He was also a altar boy back in the day and a preacher.

but the business side of him is what did him in......

Gun sale at magnum. Haha

I can guess already Art will be a preacher in there and get out in 2 years on good behavior.

I can guess already Art will be a preacher in there and get out in 2 years on good behavior.

That would be awesome!

Gun sale at magnum. Haha

still gonna be cheaper everywhere else!  I almost bought a Mag for my M4 for $35 there.  Then went to OGC, and got 2 of the same EXACT Mags for $16.50/ea...  Quad rail system for my M4, $400!!  I bought same exact brand at OGC for $150...  When i shoot in their indoor range, it's $25 for 20 rounds of 5.56, and $8 for 5 rounds of buck shot.  The range i'm willing to pay the extra because it's convenient, and the guy that helps me out there is really cool.  But i always slap myself after i spend $150+ in 45 min!  I could have got a massage and shot my own loads for that much!!  LOL... nah, that last part was sick...  But they are pricey, and it sucks to hear that he was charging way extra and not even paying taxes.  That was greed that got him caught. 

still gonna be cheaper everywhere else!  I almost bought a Mag for my M4 for $35 there.  Then went to OGC, and got 2 of the same EXACT Mags for $16.50/ea...  Quad rail system for my M4, $400!!  I bought same exact brand at OGC for $150...  When i shoot in their indoor range, it's $25 for 20 rounds of 5.56, and $8 for 5 rounds of buck shot.  The range i'm willing to pay the extra because it's convenient, and the guy that helps me out there is really cool.  But i always slap myself after i spend $150+ in 45 min!  I could have got a massage and shot my own loads for that much!!  LOL... nah, that last part was sick...  But they are pricey, and it sucks to hear that he was charging way extra and not even paying taxes.  That was greed that got him caught.

You just gave me the greatest idea.

A massage parlor and gun range.

"Shoot your load then shoot a gun."

Wow, what a concept.     

Would be you to think of that KK.....

You just gave me the greatest idea.

A massage parlor and gun range.

"Shoot your load then shoot a gun."

Wow, what a concept.     

 

I can guess already Art will be a preacher in there and get out in 2 years on good behavior.

There is no early release in federal prison. You serve your whole time regardless of your behavior.

There is no early release in federal prison. You serve your whole time regardless of your behavior.

yup.  My cousin just got out.  got sentenced 8 years, and got 8 years, minus his time in jail before the sentencing.  Fucker thinks he's bad now cuz he was in prison, but my out of shape ass can still stick my size 14 shoe up his ass!! LOL... nah, i'm just kidding...  it's a size 13...   

Would be you to think of that KK.....

True, but you'd be my best customer. 

True, but you'd be my best customer. 

Gives new meaning to "quick release."

only been to Magnum once to use the range. the guys I talked to were actually real friendly and didn't give me any static (lucky me haha). I guess now I'm forced to go to Koko head or wait forever for OGC's and Kalaeloa's ranges to open up.

Art would always quote the bible.  He was also a altar boy back in the day and a preacher.

but the business side of him is what did him in......

Huh... Art was a preacher?  I'd be interested to hear him preach... very curious.

only been to Magnum once to use the range. the guys I talked to were actually real friendly and didn't give me any static (lucky me haha). I guess now I'm forced to go to Koko head or wait forever for OGC's and Kalaeloa's ranges to open up.

I wouldn't hold my breath for Barbers Point.  I can see there being some issues that need to be addressed before a private party would open a range there.