Courts.
A Warminster woman admitted in Montgomery County Court that she illegally purchased firearms for her Lansdale boyfriend, one of which was later recovered when he was arrested outside his ex-girlfriend’s home in New Hanover Township while wearing night-vision goggles.
Kristin Leigh Sweigard, 40, pleaded guilty Monday to charges of selling or transferring firearms to an ineligible person, conspiracy, and making false statements on federal purchase forms, according to The Mercury.
Prosecutors said Sweigard purchased three guns between June 2023 and November 2023 for her boyfriend, Edward Cordenner III, 36, of the 600 block of Susquehanna Avenue, despite knowing he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.
Investigators said Sweigard lied on federal forms by claiming the guns were for her, per the report. Police later recovered the weapons — a 9mm Taurus pistol, an AR-15 style rifle, and a Maverick Arms shotgun — during searches connected to Cordenner’s February 2024 arrest.
Judge Wendy G. Rothstein deferred sentencing until later this year. Sweigard remains free on bail.
Assistant District Attorney Courtney McMonagle said prosecutors will seek a state prison term of eight to 16 years, citing the number of weapons involved and the danger posed by Cordenner, according to the article.
In the report, defense attorney Basil Beck said Sweigard was remorseful and hoped to demonstrate progress since her arrest.
Cordenner was taken into custody Feb. 4, 2024, after police said he was found prowling in the driveway of his ex-girlfriend’s Colflesh Road home. He allegedly had night-vision goggles, a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol, and an additional loaded magazine. Authorities said he resisted arrest and was combative with officers.
A subsequent search of his Lansdale home uncovered additional firearms purchased by Sweigard, along with ammunition, according to detectives.
Cordenner remains held for trial on multiple charges, including possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, carrying a firearm without a license, resisting arrest, and loitering and prowling at night. His trial is scheduled for Sept. 2.
