State police last week charged five men in separate cases with illegally trying to buy guns at stores in Center and Summit townships.

The would-be gun buyers are accused of lying on state and federal gun-purchase application forms about prior misdemeanor convictions or pending charges that bar them from possessing firearms.

The suspects — Braden D. Flinspach, 24, of Mercer; Raymond T. Miller, 48, of Center Township; Huy Ngoc Pham, 44, of Pittsburgh; Oscar R. Sasse Jr., 46, of Butler; and Michael E. Webb, 49, of Clay Township — all failed background checks when they tried to buy the firearms last year or in 2016.

The Pennsylvania Instant Check System identified the men as having provided false information on their gun purchase applications, according to court documents.

Four of the defendants are charged with a third-degree felony violation of the sales or transfer of firearms provision of the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act, as well as a third-degree misdemeanor unsworn falsification to authorities.

Flinspach is only charged by summons with unsworn falsification to authorities. Police said on May 9, 2017, he tried to buy a 9 mm pistol at Rural King at the Clearview Mall in Center Township.

His preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 20.

Police said Miller on June 27, 2017, attempted to buy a .44 magnum revolver at Sportsman's Supply on Freeport Road in Summit Township.

District Judge Lewis Stoughton on Tuesday arraigned Miller on charges. He is free on his own recognizance while awaiting his preliminary hearing Feb. 20.

Pham on May 4, 2017, tired to buy 9 mm pistol at the Rural King in Center Township, police said. His preliminary arraignment is set for Jan. 22.

Police said Sasse on May 5, 2017, attempted to buy a 9 mm pistol at Sportsman's Supply. He was arraigned Monday by Stoughton and is free on his own recognizance. His preliminary hearing is Feb. 200.

Webb on Oct. 21, 2016, tried to buy a 9 mm pistol at the Center Township Rural King. His preliminary arraignment is Jan. 22.