UPDATE: A Pottstown man has been sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for his role in a dangerous gun trafficking network. Horace Jay Kieffer Jr., 38, was sentenced today in Montgomery County Court after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including the illegal sale and transfer of firearms.
The court heard that Kieffer posed a significant threat to public safety, particularly during an incident on March 11, 2024, when he resisted arrest while armed and wearing a bulletproof vest. Judge Risa Vetri Ferman emphasized the clear danger Kieffer’s impulsive and violent behavior posed to the community, stating, “Everything about you poses a danger to the community.”
During the arrest, police found Kieffer with two loaded handguns, including a 9mm Ruger LCP, along with a knife. The weapons were allegedly linked to a broader gun trafficking operation involving multiple individuals from Montgomery and Berks counties. Kieffer’s illegal activities reportedly contributed to the circulation of 31 firearms in the area, heightening the need for immediate action against such criminal enterprises.
Authorities revealed that Kieffer was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions for aggravated assault. His associate, Keith Chaney, also involved in the trafficking ring, received a sentence of 20 to 42 years for similar charges earlier this month. Investigators uncovered text messages linking Kieffer and Chaney to illegal firearms transactions, showcasing the depth of their involvement in this criminal network.
The court noted the dangerous nature of Kieffer’s actions, as he resisted five law enforcement officers attempting to detain him. Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Alane McLaughlin pointed to bodycam footage that illustrated Kieffer’s erratic behavior, stating, “Had it not been for law enforcement’s quick response, that incident could have ended very differently.”
Kieffer expressed remorse during the sentencing, citing a mental health crisis as a contributing factor to his actions. His defense attorney, Patrick Thomas Doherty, argued for a lighter sentence, highlighting Kieffer’s troubled background. However, the prosecution maintained that Kieffer’s history and lack of rehabilitation warranted a lengthy prison term.
This case is part of a larger investigation that has seen authorities charge nine men connected to a gun trafficking organization operating in the region. The network was found to have illegally acquired and distributed firearms, including 3-D printed ghost guns. Law enforcement agencies utilized various investigative techniques to dismantle the operation, including tracking purchases and analyzing digital communications.
The significant prison sentence handed down to Kieffer serves as a critical warning about the ongoing issues of gun violence and trafficking in communities. With his lengthy probation period adding up to 40 years of court supervision, authorities hope to prevent further incidents of illegal gun possession and trafficking in the area.
As investigations continue, officials urge community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to firearms. The urgency of addressing gun violence remains a priority for law enforcement as they work to ensure public safety in Pottstown and beyond.