Mark A. Kessler, the former Gilberton police chief who attracted attention in 2013 for his controversial gun-rights YouTube videos, has been charged with falsifying information for a firearm purchase.
Kessler, 45, of Frackville, Schuylkill County, was arraigned Friday on a charges of making a false written statement as he tried to buy a gun from Dunham's Sports store at Schuykill Mall near Frackville, state police at Frackville said.
The details of Kessler's alleged false statement were not available Friday, but state police said that on May 5 he submitted the statement to Dunham's and the gun sale was rejected.
"Prior to the purchase he completed paperwork as part of a background check associated with the purchase of a firearm," police said. "At that time, the transaction was denied and no sale occurred.
"Following this transaction, PSP-Frackville was assigned to conduct follow-up investigation into the transaction."
The investigation led to Friday's charges of making a gun-sale false statement and making a false statement subject to a penalty. He was arraigned by District Judge David Plachko, who released him on $10,000 bail.
Kessler made headlines as Gilberton police chief in July 2013 with his YouTube videos, showing him firing a machine gun and cursing "Libtards" who he said were trying to deny him his right to bear arms.
More plus video:
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-ex-gilberton-chief-kessler-false-statement-charge-20170217-story.html
