Two men were arraigned Thursday on charges they illegally tried to buy guns in Butler County earlier this year.

Robert F. Meany Jr., 27, of East Brady, Clarion County, and Christopher A. Zedreck, 29, of Butler Township both face felony charges in their respective cases.

State police said the defendants lied when they filled out the required federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form to complete the purchases.

Each denied having ever been committed to a mental institution, according to court documents.

However, the Pennsylvania Instant Check system, which gun dealers use to determine if someone can legally buy a gun in the state, blocked the would-be purchases.

Police said Meany on Feb. 9 tried to buy a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Center Township.

Zedreck on Feb. 13 tried to purchase a Taurus 9 mm pistol at Sportsman’s Supply Co. in Summit Township.

District Judge Lewis Stoughton arraigned each suspect on a felony charge of unlawfully attempting to buy a firearm and a misdemeanor charge of making a false statement to authorities. Both men are free on their own recognizance.

Zedreck faces a preliminary hearing Sept. 15 at Stoughton’s office in Chicora. Meany’s hearing before Stoughton is set for Oct. 6.