COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Chester man pleaded guilty Friday for tax evasion, illegally possessing a firearm, and lying to investigators, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
From 2019-2021, officials said Lawrencium Germaine Martin, 47, owned and operated a business called Lancaster Tactical Supply. The business sold firearm accessories that include build kits, optics, body armor and more.
However, nearly 400 customers across 43 states filed complaints against the company that they were scammed, being left without the items they purchased or their money back.
Investigators found that LTS was generating significant revenue and earned over $2 million from one payment processor alone in 2020, and Martin deposited it into his personal bank account.
Prosecutors said Martin didn’t pay state or federal income tax in any year from 2015 through 2022. Martin admitted to evading federal income taxes, but did not specify the amount. Investigators determined the amount in 2020 alone was $800,000.
Martin also admitted to obtaining another person’s identifying information through a legitimate employment relationship. Prosecutors said he operated LTS in that person’s name without authorization so that revenue wasn’t reported under his name.
Martin was found making false statements to investigators. When asked about LTS, he said he never heard of it, was unsure how his name was associated with the business, and denied he received money from LTS or its customers.
Martin was also convicted for possession of a firearm after agents searched his residence. He owned a 9mm handgun despite multiple felony convictions.
Martin faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. His sentencing date has not been determined.
