Feds Arrest Man For Allegedly Selling Rifle To Accused Cop Killer

TACOMA —

A major development in the case of accused Cop killer Christopher Monfort. Feds arrested the man they say sold Monfort the rifle used to gun down Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton and wound his partner Britt Sweeney.

Federal Prosecutors say David Devenny admitted to undercover ATF Agents that he sold the rifle Monfort is accused of using to kill Officer Brenton. They say he bought it just seven days before the murder.

A rural neighborhood in Olympia woke up this morning to a swarm of Federal Agents descending on David Devenny’s house. ATF Special Agent in Charge Kelvin Crenshaw says they found 42 guns and $32,000 in cash.

“ATF's investigation revealed that Mr. Devenny was illegally selling firearms without a license,” said Crenshaw.

Devenny’s arrest is the result of an 18 month investigation. He’s charged with selling guns to people who aren’t legally allowed to own them. Crenshaw says Devenny also sold a rifle last fall that became the most sought after weapon in the City of Seattle.

“Statements made by Mr. Devenny to undercover agents indicate he was in fact the seller of the firearm on October 24, 2009 at the Puyallup Gun Show,” said Crenshaw.

Seven days later Crenshaw says the buyer Christopher Monfort used it to shoot and kill Seattle Police Officer Tim Brenton.

“This morning's arrest is but a small piece of the tragedy that marked an unspeakable act of murder,” said Crenshaw.

Selling that rifle to Monfort actually wasn’t illegal anyone can sell weapons at a gun show even if they’re not a licensed dealer. Crenshaw says was got Devenny busted was the number of guns he was peddling.

“He's engaged in the business of selling firearms for a profit and that it's no longer a private issue, he is actually engaged in the business for a profit,” said Devenny.

Still, the ATF says Devenny’s arrest was a bit emotional because of the connection to Brenton’s murder and because of who it was who took him into custody.

“On our Task Force Team we had one of our Task Force Officers who is a Seattle Police Officer and he is the one that actually was able to put the handcuffs on Mr. Devenny,” said Crenshaw.

Devenny remains locked up tonight he’ll be back in Court on Wednesday afternoon for his detention hearing in Tacoma. Meanwhile, Christopher Monfort returns to court early next month.