A Western New York man now faces seven years in prison for violating Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s new gun control-law, the NY Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act (or SAFE Act).
Benjamin M. Wassell. Credit: Buffalo News
Benjamin M. Wassell, an Iraq War veteran, was charged with twice selling newly banned military-style ‘assault’ weapons and standard-capacity magazines to an undercover police officer as part of a sting operation conducted by State Police and the New York Attorney General’s Office, the Buffalo News reported.
Altogether, the 32-year-old Silver Creek resident was slapped with three felony charges and one misdemeanor, which as noted could end up putting Wassell, who has no prior convictions, behind bars for as many as seven years.
“By selling these illegal firearms, Mr. Wassell’s actions had potentially dangerous consequences for New Yorkers,” said state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. “We have seen far too much gun violence in our state in recent months, and the sale of illegal semiautomatic weapons will not go unpunished.”
On Jan. 24 Wassell sold a Del-Ton AR-15 to an undercover agent along with six standard-capacity magazines and 299 rounds of ammunition for $1,900.
Due do the fact that the rifle has one or more military cosmetic characteristics, i.e. a detachable magazine, a pistol grip and a telescoping stock, it is considered an ‘assault’ weapon under the NY SAFE Act and cannot be sold to anyone but a licensed dealer or an out-of-state citizen.
The first sale Wassell made to the undercover officer was made nine days after the Governor rammed through the law in the dead of night after waving the mandatory three-day legislative review period. Instead of arresting Wassell after his first offense, the investigators held out and remained undercover to see if he would sell another banned firearm. Unfortunately, he did…
Thoughts and analysis. This is only beginning.
Gun owners in the Empire State should be on high-alert moving forward. Both Cuomo and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg will continue to appropriate state and city resources to conducting sting operations that attempt to entrap law-abiding gun owners.
NY SAFE Act: Question on ‘Assault’ Weapons Registration
The way it looks, lawmakers want to ensure that this law is taken seriously. Previously legal firearms are now banned. And if you fail to register them in the coming weeks, you’re now a criminal in the eyes of the state.
Also, please note that these laws do not only apply to firearms, but magazines as well. The NY SAFE Act put a retroactive ban on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. If you’re caught with a 10-plus round magazine, you’re a criminal. If you load more than seven rounds in your ten round magazine, you’re in violation of the law.
Another reason not to live in New York, besides the cold weather, and cost of living is ridiculous there. And now the governor doesn’t want its people to be able to defend themselves against Obama’s armed cartel buddies and “brown shirts”. Ooops! I mean NYPD. You know the ones that are supposed to Serve and Protect the Civilians? Nothing more than a bunch of cocky attitude, order takers, thinking they are actually making a difference every day they put together these “Sting Ops”. If I were ever in a position to make the decision, I would hire this Vet they painted up to be a felon in a heartbeat.
I predict New York will be one of the first targeted major metropolis’ the government subdues. Every day Texas is looking better and better. Oh but wait, Texas is in close proximity to those Cartels with our confiscated assault rifles, coincidence? I think not.
Every time I read a story like this one I realize something. This country is one leader away from being in another civil uprising. I just hope Americans are still strong enough to take a stand against the tyranny when it finally removes the smiley mask and shows its true intentions which some of us can already read into like a book. Post while you can because soon after the guns are controlled, the right to express yourself, and free speech is going to go away as well.
Reblogged this on Conservative Libertarian Outpost and commented:
From a new follower this points out just what can be expected from those that Laird it over us.
The Grey Enigma 
“Twice sold”. Another Operation Fast & Furious, in the making??
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Reblogged this on The Bearded Word Slinger.
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Reblogged this on Family Survival Protocol.
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Another reason not to live in New York, besides the cold weather, and cost of living is ridiculous there. And now the governor doesn’t want its people to be able to defend themselves against Obama’s armed cartel buddies and “brown shirts”. Ooops! I mean NYPD. You know the ones that are supposed to Serve and Protect the Civilians? Nothing more than a bunch of cocky attitude, order takers, thinking they are actually making a difference every day they put together these “Sting Ops”. If I were ever in a position to make the decision, I would hire this Vet they painted up to be a felon in a heartbeat.
I predict New York will be one of the first targeted major metropolis’ the government subdues. Every day Texas is looking better and better. Oh but wait, Texas is in close proximity to those Cartels with our confiscated assault rifles, coincidence? I think not.
Every time I read a story like this one I realize something. This country is one leader away from being in another civil uprising. I just hope Americans are still strong enough to take a stand against the tyranny when it finally removes the smiley mask and shows its true intentions which some of us can already read into like a book. Post while you can because soon after the guns are controlled, the right to express yourself, and free speech is going to go away as well.
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More and more nanny state actions are just over the horizon, of that I am sure. Someone in Wyoming that has an FFL needs to set up a brokerage…
Thanks for stopping by and following Conservative Libertarian Outpost! 🙂
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Love your blog CLO! Sorry I just stumbled on it today, adding you to my blogroll. Please keep up the good work, Give these bastards hell. GE.
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I do as much as I can these days, thanks.
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Reblogged this on Conservative Libertarian Outpost and commented:
From a new follower this points out just what can be expected from those that Laird it over us.
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Reblogged this on WR2A: The CT Experience.
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