Harry C. Lamplugh, a convicted felon and a non-licensed firearm dealer was operating as a firearm dealer and promoting gun shows under the name of Borderline Gun Collectors Association, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania in various locations throughout Pennsylvania and was in possession of firearms in contradiction to Federal law.

On May 25, 1994, ATF agents and inspectors, assisted by IRS agents and the Pennsylvania State Police, executed two Federal search warrants at the residence of Harry C. Lamplugh and seized sixty firearms, including a "sawed off shotgun." Also seized were computers, assorted business and financial records along with $10,130.00 in cash

On June 29, 1995, a Federal grand jury in Williamsport, Pennsylvania indicted both Harry Lamplugh and his wife Theresa Lamplugh for multiple violations of the Federal firearm and perjury laws. John M. Lamplugh, son of Harry C. Lamplugh, was also indicted for unlawful possession of a "sawed off shotgun."

On April 16, 1997, a Federal grand jury in Williamsport, Pennsylvania indicted both Harry and Theresa Lamplugh in a superseding indictment that included Federal tax violations with additional firearm violations.

The Lamplughs’ through various press media outlets had made numerous statements condemning the actions of ATF and IRS agents’ during the conduct of the May 25, 1994 execution of two federal search warrants. These statements received media attention throughout the United States.

On August 8, 1998, United States District Court Judge Vanaskie, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, filed his ruling concerning suppression motions made by the Lamplughs’ against ATF and IRS agents in November of 1997. Judge Vanaskie ruled that ATF, IRS and the Pennsylvania State Police had conducted the searches of May 25, 1995 in a professional manner and that there was no government misconduct. The ruling was contained in a 62-page memorandum.

On October 27, 1998, John M. Lamplugh entered a plea of guilty to one count of 18 USC 3, Accessory after the fact to violate 26 USC 5861 (d), before United States District Court Judge Vanaskie, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

On November 10, 1998, Harry C. Lamplugh and Theresa Lamplugh were convicted by a jury in United States Federal Court, Scranton, Pennsylvania of two counts each of violating 26 USC 7203, Failure to file income tax.

On December 14, 1998, Harry C. Lamplugh was convicted in United States Federal Court in Scranton, Pennsylvania of one count of 18 USC 922 (a) (1), Dealing in firearms without a license, ten counts of 18 USC 922 (g) (1), felon in possession of firearms and three counts of 18 USC 922 (a) (6), false statements to licensed dealers.