Rockland County Mayor Sentenced For Numerous Gun Charges
While the United States might be famous for its gun culture, New York residents must remember that the Empire State has some of the toughest firearm laws in the entire nation. This is something that even local mayors forget – or choose to ignore. Some individuals attempt to circumvent gun regulations with various online purchases – including gun components disguised as innocuous items. What should you do if you face gun charges in Rockland County?
Mayor Orders Silencer Disguised as Motorcycle Muffler
In October of 2024, it was reported that the former Mayor of Airmont had been sentenced to one year in jail for various firearms offenses. He was also previously sentenced to eight months in prison for another firearms offense. Authorities say that they initially became suspicious of the mayor when they noticed he received a package containing a firearm silencer. Customs officials intercepted the package and determined that it contained a silencer disguised as a “motorcycle noise reduction exhaust pipe.”
These kinds of purchases are becoming relatively common in New York, and gun owners must be very careful if they see a prohibited component disguised as something else. Although this might seem like an easy way to circumvent gun laws, the authorities are often well aware of these strategies.
After discovering the contents of the package, federal and local authorities decided to raid the mayor’s home. Once inside, they located a total of 17 unregistered firearms, 12 silencers, 19 assault rifles, and 85 high-capacity magazines – later describing the weapons cache as a veritable “arsenal.”
In addition, the former mayor obtained forged federal and state credentials, assumedly in an attempt to justify the collection of prohibited firearms. Despite this search occurring in 2021, his sentencing was delayed due to a serious motorcycle accident that broke several of the defendant’s bones.
Online Firearms Purchases May Be Illegal in New York
While ordering firearms and gun components online may be convenient, it also raises the possibility of criminal charges. Many of these e-commerce websites do not take various state regulations into account, and they may ship you items that you are not allowed to have in New York. Thanks to the 2013 SAFE Act, possessing a silencer is now a violent felony.
Several websites market silencers as “flashlight tubes,” “solvent filters,” or “barrel shrouds.” But the gun community understands that these are just labels, and the product is actually a silencer. Often, gun owners only need to make minor adjustments to the product before installing it on their firearms. While this might allow you to purchase a silencer, you still face penalties for having it in your possession.
Contact an Experienced Defense Attorney in Rockland County
A New City criminal defense attorney may be able to assist with firearms offenses. If you are being accused of ordering prohibited firearm components online, a defense lawyer may be able to help you fight for your rights effectively. The evidence may have been obtained unlawfully, and you may have been subject to an unconstitutional search or seizure. To learn more about your legal options, contact Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law today.
Sources:
lohud.com/story/news/local/rockland/2024/10/10/ex-airmont-ny-deputy-mayor-brian-downey-sentenced-after-weapons-arsenal-in-home/75608114007/
theverge.com/2019/8/26/20828900/silencer-suppressor-online-sales-gun-accesories-atf-rules
