In a shocking case that’s sending ripples through New Hampshire’s firearms industry, a former Sig Sauer machinist faces federal charges for allegedly exploiting his employee discount to buy and resell hundreds of guns without a license. This story of alleged wire fraud and unlicensed gun dealing highlights the fine line between perks and peril in the world of weapon manufacturing. If you’re in the firearms community, a legal enthusiast, or just keeping tabs on NH news, this indictment raises big questions about employee ethics, online sales, and federal oversight.
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Who Is Patrick Goulet?
At the center of this controversy is Patrick Goulet, a 34-year-old resident of Manchester, New Hampshire. Goulet worked as a machinist at Sig Sauer, the renowned firearms manufacturer based in Newington, NH – a company celebrated for its pistols, rifles, and contributions to law enforcement and military gear. His role gave him access to one of the industry’s sweetest perks: a steep employee discount on guns and accessories. But according to federal prosecutors, Goulet turned that benefit into a black-market side hustle.
Goulet was fired by Sig Sauer in 2023, though the company hasn’t publicly detailed the reasons – speculation points to these very allegations.
The Allegations: From Employee Perk to Unlicensed Gun Empire
The heart of the case? Goulet allegedly abused Sig Sauer’s employee discount program – designed for personal use only – to stockpile firearms at rock-bottom prices. Sig Sauer’s policy is crystal clear: employees cannot sell products bought with the discount or use it for personal profit. Undeterred, Goulet reportedly went further by using fellow co-workers’ names to snag even more discounted items, bypassing purchase limits.
From there, the scheme escalated: Goulet is accused of reselling several hundred guns to buyers across the U.S. without holding a required federal firearms dealer license. Platforms like Facebook served as his marketplace, where he’d connect with eager customers hunting for deals on Sig Sauer pistols and rifles. Payments? Handled swiftly via apps like Venmo, blurring the lines between casual e-commerce and illegal dealing.
This isn’t just a breach of company rules – it’s a federal crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasizes that such actions undermine the regulated firearms market and pose risks to public safety by skirting background checks and tracking requirements.
Key Timeline of the Alleged Scheme
To make sense of how this unfolded, here’s a quick breakdown:
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2021 | Alleged illegal purchases and resales begin, per ATF investigation. |
| 2023 | Goulet fired by Sig Sauer amid growing suspicions. |
| June 2024 | Scheme allegedly wraps up. |
| November 2024 | Federal indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court. |
| November 2025 | Goulet pleads not guilty in initial appearance; released on conditions. |
Federal Charges: Wire Fraud and Unlicensed Dealing Explained
Goulet faces serious federal heat:
- Wire Fraud: For using electronic means (like Venmo and social media) to execute the alleged scam.
- Firearms Violations: Specifically, dealing in guns without a license, which is a felony under the Gun Control Act.
Prosecutors pointed to four documented transactions as smoking guns (pun intended): sales of pistols and rifles to buyers in Washington, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. These weren’t isolated flips – they were part of a pattern affecting hundreds of weapons nationwide.
If convicted, Goulet could face years in prison and hefty fines. As of his recent court appearance, he’s been ordered to surrender all firearms and ammo from his home and is out on bail pending trial. His attorney hasn’t commented yet, leaving the “not guilty” plea as his main defense so far.
The Investigation: ATF Steps In
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the probe, uncovering a web of online sales that spanned states. It’s a reminder of how digital trails – from Facebook posts to Venmo receipts – can unravel even savvy schemes. Sig Sauer cooperated fully, though the company has stayed mum publicly, letting the U.S. Attorney’s Office handle the narrative.
What’s Next in the Sig Sauer Gun Resale Scandal?
Goulet’s trial date hasn’t been set, but expect more twists – from co-worker testimonies to deeper dives into his sales logs. As New Hampshire news evolves, we’ll keep you posted on updates to this Sig Sauer employee scandal.