Man Arrested in Iron County After Warrant Uncovers Drugs and 50 Firearms

Overview of the Arrest

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

In Iron County, Utah, a man has been arrested following a significant discovery during a search warrant operation linked to a narcotics investigation. The individual, Amon Alan Chambers, 41, faces multiple felony charges, including possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, distribution of a controlled substance, unlawful purchase of a firearm with intent to transfer, and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct.

Background of the Investigation

The investigation began in early May when the Iron Garfield Beaver Counties Narcotics Task Force received information from an informant that Chambers was selling prescription pills. As part of the investigation, agents conducted a controlled buy and purchased Percocet from Chambers.

A few weeks later, the informant reportedly told Chambers he could not buy a gun because he was a felon. Allegedly, Chambers instructed the informant to pick out a gun at a pawn shop and said he would buy it for him.

Later, Chambers allegedly told the informant that he could show him how to convert an AR-15 to be fully automatic and even make custom ammunition to help it fire fully automatic.

Key Incidents Leading to the Arrest

During the investigation, Chambers was stopped by a Cedar City Police Officer for an unrelated traffic stop. The officer noted that Chambers appeared visibly nervous and seemed to be hiding something in a backpack. After releasing Chambers with a warning, he allegedly told the informant that he had a “mini AK” in the backpack, which he claimed was converted to be fully automatic. He reportedly expressed nervousness about possessing a fully automatic firearm, knowing it was a felony.

A few days after this incident, officers sent a picture of a gun from a pawn shop to the informant and instructed him to send it to Chambers. Allegedly, Chambers told the informant he could turn it into a machine gun and offered to purchase it for the informant.

Officers set up a controlled purchase of the firearm, and Chambers met with the informant to complete the transaction.

Search Warrant and Seizures

Following the controlled purchase, investigators executed a search warrant on Chambers’ home. They seized 57 firearms, large amounts of ammunition and magazines, four homemade suppressors, approximately 15 grams of Psilocybin mushrooms, and nearly 200 grams of marijuana. Prescription pills were also taken as part of the seizure.

Allegedly, Chambers told investigators that he was selling and exchanging his prescription pills with friends in Iron County. He also stated that the firearms seized were not fully automatic, though he admitted he knew how to convert them.

Additional Allegations

While in custody, Chambers allegedly mentioned that he had more firearms at a sibling’s house that he obtained after the search warrant. He also reportedly told the informant that he was considering fleeing to avoid arrest.

The arresting officer has requested continued detention for Chambers, citing concerns that he poses a danger to the public and may attempt to flee if released.

Conclusion

This case highlights the complexity of drug and firearm-related investigations, involving informants, controlled purchases, and extensive searches. The charges against Chambers reflect serious legal implications, emphasizing the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.