Vernon Johnson charged with unsworn falsification in attempted handgun purchase
South Lebanon Township police charged Vernon Johnson after a Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Division investigation found he allegedly gave false information on a federal firearms transaction record; the purchase was denied by the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS).
A 72-year-old Vernon Johnson allegedly attempted to purchase a handgun at Shyda's Outdoor Center on May 20, 2026. On September 3, 2026, the Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Division asked South Lebanon Township Police to investigate and determined Johnson provided false information on a federal firearms transaction record; the purchase was denied by the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS). He was charged with 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 – Unsworn Falsification to Authorities (M3). All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.