More than 600 Ohio weapons permits invalid due to scam

COLUMBUS (AP) — More than 600 licenses allowing gun owners to carry concealed weapons in the Columbus area are invalid because three men issued falsified training certificates to the applicants, Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott said.

A months-long undercover investigation by the sheriff’s office has resulted in felony charges against the men and 613 letters being sent to the people who obtained the certificates, which are required to apply for concealed-carry licenses.

Scott told The Columbus Dispatch that more licenses could be affected as the investigation continues.

Scott said that his office began its probe in April and used undercover agents to buy illicit training certificates from the operation, which relied heavily on word of mouth.