Frederick Gun Range Owner Pleads Not Guilty

Robert Krop was in federal court in Baltimore on Thursday.Baltimore, Md (KM) A Frederick gun range owner who was indicted last week with Sheriff Chuck Jenkins was in federal court on Thursday. The US Attorney’s Office for Maryland says Robert Justin Krop, 36, of Frederick pleaded not guilty.He was released to the supervision of US Pre-Trial Services. Krop was also told to stay away from any witnesses, and he can’t possess any firearms. And he has to stay away from the Machine Gun Nest which he owns.Dan Cox entered an appearance in court as Krop’s attorney.Krop ,along with Sheriff Jenkins, was indicted last week on  conspiracy and making false statements in order for allegedly acquiring  machine guns. The US Attorney’s Office alleges  that Krop conspired with Jenkins to unlawfully purchase machine guns, and falsify  documents on Frederick County Sheriff’s Office letterhead. The weapons were requested for an evaluation and a demonstration for the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. Federal officials say both Krop and Jenkins knew these guns were not being used as for  demonstrations, but that Krop was planning to rent out these weapons to customers.The US Attorney’s Office says an indictment is not a finding of guilt, and all defendants are innocence until proven guilty.By Kevin McManus