MANATEE -- The Manatee Gun and Archery Club reported 38 guns and an air rifle are missing from the club after an internal investigation also found the club's manager was selling the club's firearms without the club's permission and violating federal gun control laws.

Gene Pitts, former club president and manager, has resigned as club manager. Since the onset of the investigation, he has been on a leave of absence as club president pending results of the probe into the allegations against him.

The missing guns include a shotgun, pistol and 36 assorted rifles. Their estimated retail value is $28,000, according to a news release from the club, which is located at 1805 Logue Road, Myakka City.