4-03-2023 9:47pm

Illegal Gun Sales: A man from LI has been extradited and is facing 61 charges.

Samantha Hespos Editor

Nassau County, NY,

Authorities have reported that a man from Long Island who fled the state has recently been extradited and indicted on 61 charges for the sale of illegal firearms, almost one year after his escape.

On March 31, Gerald Pierre, a 40-year-old Westbury resident, faced arraignment in Nassau County Court, charged with 61 offenses connected to the possession and sale of unlawful firearms.

According to prosecutors, he was extradited to Nassau County on March 29 after being arrested in Pennsylvania for an unrelated incident. His flight from New York over a year before had initiated the events that ultimately concluded with his return.

It is claimed that Pierre sold 14 firearms illegally in Westbury, Uniondale, and Hempstead from October 2020 to January 2022, consisting of semi-automatic rifles, assault weapons, revolvers, and pistols.

According to the DA, almost all of the firearms that were sold had either been loaded beforehand or were provided with ammunition. The prosecution alleged that a significant number of these weapons were equipped with high-capacity magazines capable of holding up to 60 rounds of ammunition.

Authorities reported that Pierre absconded Nassau County in February 2022, prompting a warrant to be issued for his apprehension.

Before extradition, law enforcement officials in Pennsylvania arrested him on January 10, 2023, for a separate matter, and subsequently uncovered his active arrest warrant.

Pierre has been accused of the following charges:

28 counts of third-degree criminal sale of a firearm,

14 counts of criminal possession of a firearm,

13 counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon,

four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon,

first-degree criminal sale of a firearm,

and second-degree criminal sale of a firearm.

If found guilty, he could be sentenced to a maximum of 25 years behind bars.

Pierre's next court appearance is set for Wednesday, April 26th.

What is the timeframe for a gun charge penalty in NY?

In New York, possessing a firearm illegally can result in up to four years imprisonment as a class E felony. Possessing a weapon as a Third Degree criminal offense, on the other hand, can lead to a sentence of up to seven years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of two years.

In New York, what are the consequences of possessing an unregistered gun and getting caught?

This used to be considered a minor offense but starting in March 2013, it has been elevated to a class "E" felony. Being caught with an unregistered firearm and charged with this offense can have significant impacts on your personal life, career, and finances. A conviction can change your life permanently.

What is the maximum number of bullets allowed to be carried in New York State?

Ten.

According to the NY SAFE Act, possessing a magazine that can contain more than ten (10) rounds of ammunition is illegal, irrespective of its manufacturing or procurement date.

Can one purchase an AR in NY without breaking the law?

From September 4, 2022, it becomes a legal requirement to obtain a New York State semi-automatic rifle license for individuals aged at least 21 years old who want to own a semi-automatic rifle in New York. However, a person of any legal hunting age may borrow or temporarily possess an authorized semi-automatic rifle for hunting purposes.