While most college students are focused on their studies, one student drew suspicion by inquiring about silencers and high capacity firearms - illegal items - at local gun stores. The 24-year-old man, originally from Lebanon, is currently a University of Massachusetts student just a few months away from a finance degree. However, his recent arrest may have him locked up in jail instead of attending his graduation.
The Methuen, Massachusetts, man recently purchased a gun from North Shore Firearms in Middletown. His father later called the store and asked how to modify the gun by adding a silencer and adding a 30-round capacity. He was told the items were illegal and after the phone call, worried employees called local police.
The man was arrested on Sept. 27 after police seized numerous guns, which were stored in a bedroom he shares with a 6-year-old girl. Department of Homeland Security agents and the FBI seized an MP 15 assault rifle, a Ruger handgun, an AK-47 WASR-10 assault rifle and two clips from an AK-47 30. He faces charges for a weapons crime for possessing high capacity firearms. He also faces charges for allowing a person under age 18 to have access to the firearms.
The man's bail is set at $15,000. He had a license to carry rifles, but that has been revoked. He also was ordered to surrender his passport. He is on probation and must check in weekly. He faces up to 10 years in jail for the high capacity weapons charges and another 10 years for having an unsecured firearm.
Even though this defendant is facing serious charges, his arrest does not mean he is guilty. He has the right to a fair trial, as well as an appeal if there is an unfavorable verdict, just as all defendants charged with a crime.
Source: Eagle-Tribune, "Arraigned on gun charges" Jill Harmacinski, Oct. 01, 2013