Two plead guilty to gun thefts

FAYETTEVILLE — Two brothers pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to stealing guns from a federally licensed firearms dealer.

Cory Rusher, 29, and Jeremy Rusher, 39, pleaded guilty to stealing several guns from a Castle Rental store in Pea Ridge on July 11.

The store owner reported a burglary and was able to provide surveillance video of the break-in, according to court documents. Officers saw Cory Rusher as he was seen taking five firearms from the business, including a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol, according to the documents.

Cory Rusher has distinctive tattoos and was wearing the same shirt he had worn into the business earlier in the day.

Both Rushers were in the store for an extended period earlier in the day, walking around and looking at merchandise. They also pawned an item.

Jeremy Rusher was found two days later at a home outside Pea Ridge with two of the guns and was arrested. Police said he admitted being involved in the theft.

Pea Ridge police then received information July 18 that Cory Rusher and his girlfriend were staying at a motel in Joplin, Mo. U.S. marshals and Joplin police arrested Cory Rusher.

Cory Rusher admitted being involved in the burglary and helped investigators recover the stolen guns, according to court documents.

Both men will be sentenced at a later date.