Courts. (Credit: LevittownNow.com)
A Hatboro man has been sentenced to county jail time after admitting he tried to illegally sell firearms to an undercover police detective, according to a report.
Eric Scott “Ghost” Haegele, 43, of the 2300 block of Horsham Road, was sentenced in Montgomery County Court to six to 12 months in the county jail after pleading guilty to attempted illegal sale of a firearm and carrying a firearm without a license. The charges stem from an investigation in September 2024.
Judge Thomas M. DelRicci ruled that Haegele may be eligible for the jail’s house arrest program, but only after serving at least three months behind bars. Haegele will receive credit for about one month already spent in jail following his arrest and while awaiting court proceedings. He was also sentenced to two years of probation following his parole.
According to court records, the investigation began in August 2024 after Abington Township police received information that a man known as “Ghost” was attempting to sell multiple firearms illegally. Detectives later identified Haegele as the suspect
An undercover detective communicated with Haegele via text messages in early September 2024, during which Haegele allegedly sent photos of several firearms and agreed to sell a 9mm handgun for $400 without completing required background checks or paperwork. He also agreed to bring additional firearms to a meeting for inspection.
On Sept. 10, 2024, Haegele arrived at a meeting location along Moreland Road in the Willow Grove section of Abington, where he attempted to complete the sale. Police then seized three firearms, including a handgun, a short-barreled AR-style firearm, and a tactical shotgun.
Investigators said Haegele did not have a license to carry a concealed firearm and later admitted he knew his actions were illegal. He also acknowledged obtaining at least two of the weapons earlier in 2024 without completing legally required background checks.
A separate charge related to criminal use of a communication facility was dismissed as part of the case.
