CLEVELAND, Ohio — A Wisconsin man, Mark John Buschman, has been accused of shipping firearms secretly and illegally to Saudi Arabia. According to a federal grand jury indictment, Buschman packed handguns inside toasters and long guns inside automobile axles. Buschman, age 60, had been arrested in his hometown, Viroqua, 30 miles south of LaCrosse. He was taken to Clevekand, where he was advised of yjr indictment in federal court. The indictment claimed that the shipments:
> Occurred over five years, the latest in 2024.
> Were through the U.S Postal Service to an international freight forwarding company in Cleveland.
> Contained handguns and parts hidden inside toasters, coffee makers, space heaters, fans, landscaping edge trimmers and other common household appliances.
> Include at least one long gun inside an automobile axle.
> Were of firearms whose serial numbers had been removed, obliterated or altered.
Buschman earned $398,000 in the transactions, the indicjent said. U.S. Magistrate Judge Anita Marie Boor released Buschman without bail pending further proceedings. Buschman was told that sentencing guidelines are for as many as 42 years in prison and fines of $1.5 million. It was not immediately known to whom the shipments were addressed. Saudi Arabia has strict limits on possessing guns.
SIDDBAR
Buschman profile
Buschman, age 60, knew firearms as a hunter. He has lived inViroqua four years. Earlier he lived in LaCrosse and Holmen and occasionally in recent years in South Carolina. According to the indictment, Buschman obtained the firearms and firearms parts in the United state and advertised the items for sale in online marketplaces, including eBay. Saudi Arabia buyers responded to the postings. In making shipments, Buschman used fake