A Loyalsock Township man has pleaded guilty in U.S. Middle District Court to stealing 11 firearms from a Muncy area gunshop in February to support his heroin addiction.

Samuel J. Bozochovic, 36, broke into R&J Welch gun store at 1462 John Brady Drive early Feb. 8, according to U.S. Attorney Bruce Brandler.

Bozochovic pleaded guilty this week before District Judge Matthew W. Brann to theft of firearms from a registered gun store.

Bozochovic told investigators he was stealing the guns to sell for heroin. Bozochovic stole 11 handguns from the store inventory, five of which were discovered during a search of Bozochovic’s apartment, with six of the guns not recovered, Brandler said.

Bozochovic entered the store early in the morning and pried open a door to get inside, according to authorities.

Later the same day of the burglary, Bozochovic was apprehended in the course of distributing heroin to another person.

The maxium penalty is 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the plea agreement, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel.

Sentencing has been set for a later date.