4-04-2023 7:52pm

A man from Long Island who fled the state has been extradited and charged with 61 counts related to illegal gun sales

Samantha Hespos Editor

Authorities stated that a man from Long Island who had fled the state almost a year ago has now been extradited and accused of illegally selling firearms in a 61-count indictment.

On Friday, March 31, Nassau County Court arraigned Gerald Pierre, a 40-year-old Westbury resident, on charges of possessing and vending illegal firearms, totaling 61 counts.

Prosecutors stated that, two days after being extradited to Nassau County on March 29th from Pennsylvania, where he was detained for an unrelated charge, his year-long saga came to a close. This began when he escaped from New York.

It is alleged that Pierre sold 14 illegal firearms in Westbury, Uniondale, and Hempstead during the period spanning from October 2020 to January 2022. The firearms sold comprise semi-automatic rifles, assault weapons, revolvers, and pistols.

According to the district attorney, almost all of the firearms that were sold either came with bullets or were already loaded. The prosecution team also stated that a majority of these guns were equipped with high-capacity magazines that have the ability to hold up to 60 rounds of ammunition.

Officials stated that in February of 2022, Pierre escaped Nassau County and a warrant was subsequently issued for his apprehension.

On January 10, 2023, he was apprehended by Amtrak Police in Pennsylvania for a different issue, and during his extradition, the police found his unresolved arrest warrant.

Altogether, Pierre faces charges including 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, one count of first-degree criminal sale of a firearm, and one count of second-degree criminal sale of a firearm.

In the event that he is found guilty, he could potentially be incarcerated for a maximum of 25 years.

Pierre is expected to appear in court again on Wednesday, April 26th.