Vernon Johnson Charged with Unsworn Falsification After Denied Handgun Purchase
Authorities say a 72-year-old man provided false information on a federal firearms transaction record during an attempted handgun purchase that was blocked by the Pennsylvania Instant Check System.
On 09/03/2026 South Lebanon Township Police, acting on a request from the Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Division, investigated an attempted firearm purchase that occurred on 05/20/2026 at Shyda's Outdoor Center. The probe determined Vernon Johnson, 72, allegedly provided false information on a federal firearms transaction record and the purchase was denied by the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS). Johnson was charged with 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 — Unsworn Falsification to Authorities (M3); all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.