A father and son pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to stealing nearly 80 rifles from a trailer parked at a North Branford transportation company.

Harry Banks Jr., 47, of New Haven, and his son, Harry T. Banks, 26, of West Haven, both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to steal and possess firearms shipped in interstate commerce.

They face up to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, when they are sentenced on Dec. 13. They also face fines of up to $250,000.

Prosecutors said the father and son stole 79 Sturm Roger Model 10/22 .22-caliber carbine rifles from the trailer on June 29. They and a third person then sold the firearms.

Authorities said they have recovered a number of the rifles and are continuing their investigation.

–Associated Press