[Carbon_15]

Or so WLTX news 19 says.
A very close friend of mine was arrested last week on weapons charges. A local TV station aired the story under the headline "Local Terrorist arrested":cuss: :fire: . He was on his way back from the range so they had a nice selection of guns and ammo to spread out before the cameras and scare the sheeple. Here is a partial transcript of the story:

IN LEXINGTON COUNTY....A TEENAGER IS OUT OF JAIL ON BOND AFTER SOUTH CONGAREE POLICE FOUND HIM WITH EIGHT GUNS.... AND ABOUT A THOUSAND ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION.
19 - YEAR - OLD JOSIAH GARDNER IS OUT ON BOND TONIGHT.... CHARGED WITH UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A HANDGUN AND POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL WEAPONS.
OFFICERS SAY ONE OF THOSE WEAPONS IS THIS CHINESE A - K - 47 ASSAULT RIFLE.
OFFICERS SAY THEY ALSO FOUND 2 SHOTGUNS, 2 RIFLES, AND 3 HANDGUNS.... ALL LOADED -- AND ABOUT 1,000 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION.
MAKING THIS SEIZURE HELPED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SOLVE A YEAR - OLD CASE.
Chief Jason Amodio says
"This individual - that we have arrested and charged with these wrongs - has subsequently confessed to having shot many of these guns in the area."
IF CONVICTED... GARDNER COULD FACE UP TO 6 YEARS BEHIND BARS.

As usual the facts are quite twisted. None of the long guns or handguns were illegal (except the fact that he was under 21...can someone tell me exactly what SC law says about under-21 possesion of a handgun...I always though it was illegal to BUY a handgun from a licenced dealer if you are under 21 and illegal to posses a handgun if you are under 18). All of the guns were legaly purchased by him and his father and have been used only for hunting and target shooting. The chiness made Ak-47 is in reality a Romanian SKS in stock wood and blued steel trim..which he had to show the arresting officers how to unload and make safe. Of cource he had 'shot many of the guns in the area'...he was about 3 miles from the frigin' range!! And noone is really sure what "year old case" this arrest has helped solve. I've know Josiah for years and he hasn't had so much as a parking ticket.
Here is what this dangerous milk-drinkin, National Guard Member, mom-and-apple-pie loving, quintessential all-american guy had in his terrorist kit.

1: Romanian SKS 7.62x39
1: marlin Model 60 .22lr
1: Ruger MkII stainless .22lr
2: S&W Model 66 .357mag
1: Charter Arms Undercover .38special
1: Mossberg 590 12 gauge
1: Remington 870 12 gague
And assorted ammo for all the guns...
Apparently they can't even count, much less tell the difference between evil guns and non-evil civilian versions. 2+2+3 dosn't equal 8.
its good they pulled him on the way BACK and not TO the range. Funny/scary thing is, about half of the ammo was a Christmas present from me...Who knew I was supporting terrorism:uhoh: :scrutiny:

[Skunkabilly]

Crap, with that measly stash of ammunition, if he's a terrorist, I am Osama! :eek:

Sorry to hear about your friend, is there anything we can do to help? Letters to conservative talk shows to try to rally support?

[Arkie_Shooter]

Sorry to hear about your friend. I hope everything goes good for him.

[Betty]

Sorry to hear about his, Carbon_15. :(

MAKING THIS SEIZURE HELPED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SOLVE A YEAR - OLD CASE.

What year old case?

[Kobun]

And why did he get stopped in the first place?

[Hkmp5sd]

16-23-30. Sale or delivery of pistol to and
possession by certain persons unlawful;
stolen pistols. It shall be unlawful for any per-
son to knowingly sell, offer to sell, deliver, lease,
rent, barter, exchange or transport for sale into
this State any pistol to:
(a) Any person who has been convicted of a
crime of violence in any court of the United
States, the several states, commonwealths, ter-
ritories, possessions or the District of Columbia
who is a fugitive from justice or a habitual
drunkard or a drug addict or who has been
adjudicated mentally incompetent.
(b) Any person who is a member of a sub-
versive organization.
(c) Any person under the age of twenty-one,
but this shall not apply to the issue of pistols to
members of Armed Forces of the United States,
active or reserve, National Guard, State Militia or
R.O.T.C., when on duty or training or the tempo-
rary loan of pistols for instructions under the
immediate supervision of a parent or adult
instructor.
(d) Any person who by order of a circuit judge
county court judge of this State has been ad-
judged unfit to carry or possess a pistol, such
adjudication to be made upon application by any
police officer, or by any prosecuting officer of
this State, or sua sponte, by the court, but any
person who shall be the subject of such an ap-
plication shall be entitled to reasonable notice
and a proper hearing prior to any such adjudi-
cation.
(e) It shall be unlawful for any person covered
(a), (b), (c) or (d) of this section to possess or
acquire pistols within this State.
(f) No person shall knowingly buy, sell, trans-
port, pawn, receive or possess any stolen pistol
one from which the original serial number has
been removed or obliterated.

http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/statelaws/22ndedition/scarolina.pdf

[Carbon_15]

measly stash of ammunition

I was thinking the same thing....but remember he was in his truck leaving the range. At that point I usualy have one full magazine. Unless ofcource the last shot of the day is a bad one...then I can't help but finish off the last mag.
I have to admit, this effort to smoke out domestic terrorists ( and this latest development) has me feeling a little like an innocent old-maid with a wart and a Stevie Nicks outfit in Puritan Salem Mass. Don't get me wrong...lets hang the REAL terrorists, but how about a little common sense. This kids fixin to get called up to active duty to fight for his country and that same country is lumping him in with the likes of John Walker Lind. For Petes sake, NO self respecting terrorist would drive a Chevy Siverado with a lift, KC daylighters and a set of Super-Swampers...not to mention a few NRA stickers, american flag decals, and National guard Plates!!

Gives you something to think about the next time you set out for the range with your arsenal (wait Cache is the scary word of the day) of super evil assault weapons.

How to spot a terrorist guide:
1: has a gun. 1a: extra points if it looks like a military arm
2: isn't me or someone I know

[KMKeller]

Very sorry to hear this Carbon_15. Best wishes to your friend.

[Carbon_15]

What year old case?
EXACTLY...
The only thing these guns have been used for is punching holes in paper and collecting tasty critters for the table. I mean, This kid is the epitomy of the word 'wholesome". That year old case is the part that really sticks in my craw. They say something like that infront of the cameras, and then offer no backup. We have been hounding them for any information on what old case this has solved, but they have no reply. Sensationalism:confused:
He goes to court Thursday the 23rd, I'll keep you guys posted. Right now his lawyers are saying PTI, and expunged recort, lots of Community Service and some healthy expences are the likely outcome.

"Constitutional rights may not be infringed simply because the majority of the people choose that they be." - Westbrook v. Mihaly 2 C3d 756

"Where rights secured by the Constitution are involved, there can be no rule making or legislation which would abrogate them." Miranda vs. Arizona

"When any court violates the clean and unambiguous language of the constitution, a fraud is perpetrated and no one is bound to obey it." - State v. Sutton 63 Minn 167, 65 NW 262, 30 LRA 630

"No legislative Act contrary to the Constitution can be valid. To deny this would be to affirm that the deputy is greater than his principal; that the servant is above the master; that the representatives of the people are superior to the people" A.Hamilton, Federalist Papers #78

"All laws which are repugnant to the Constitution are null and void." Marbury vs. Madison

"A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

Um am I missing something? This just dosn't jive with the above statements.

"(c) Any person under the age of twenty-one,
but this shall not apply to the issue of pistols to
members of Armed Forces of the United States,
active or reserve, National Guard, State Militia or
R.O.T.C., when on duty or training or the tempo-
rary loan of pistols for instructions under the
immediate supervision of a parent or adult
instructor."

[4v50 Gary]

Your buddy is a member of the Nasty Guard (my apologies to you guardsmen, I couldn't resist. A guardsman told me that in his unit that's what they call themselves) and he gets popped for weapons possession? It's not like he's some distraught pimply face teenager who is the black sheep of his high school class, can't get a girlfriend and hates his parents for conceiving him. :rolleyes: His father should claim the handguns and tell the cops that he habitually shares his guns with his son. It's a father-son thing.

Betcha anything the charges will be dropped. I wonder if he can get an attorney to go after the media for defamation of character. :fire:

[Justin]

Jason, man that's awful.
As far as the year old case, could there be a chance that any of the guns were purchased in a private party transfer, and maybe one of them was used by the previous owner for nefarious ends?

As for this:
A very close friend of mine was arrested last week on weapons charges. A local TV station aired the story under the headline "Local Terrorist arrested"
I'd sue the local TV station for slander.

The thing that's scary is that he's right, this could very easily be any one of us. Heck, I've gone to the range with friends at times where we've had a lot more 'evil' hardware than that.

[Carbon_15]

And why did he get stopped in the first place
Broken Back-up light:rolleyes:

[Ledbetter]

The case will now be submitted to your District Attorney (or local equivalent) to determine whether to file charges and what charges to file. Maybe your friend's National Guard Highest-in-Rank (or Judge Advocate's office) would contact the D.A. and ask politely for the charges against this man-in-uniform to be dropped and his arms to be returned.

Did they have a warrant? Let us know what happens and whether charges are filed. It's a good idea for your friend to hire a lawyer or contact the Public Defender's office now rather than later.

I am scratching SoCarolina off the list of states I am considering fleeing to from the PRKalif.

[Nightcrawler]

Cases like this are what make me want to go to law school, you know.

C15, tell your friend (19 year old National Guardsman that likes guns...cripes, that was ME a couple years ago!!) to get the most vicious lawyer he can find.

SUE that damned TV station for slander, too. Take them to the cleaners, if you can.

[Marshall]

That's too bad Carbon.

I have a suspicion that you are going to find out there is more to this than is known. I have also seen these things be a case of mistaken identity but, if they have been watching him for a year I wouldn't think that is the case.

Your faithfulness and trust as a friend is commendable!

[chaim]

I agree with those who say to sue the TV station. It was sensationalism to get people's attention but it colors the potential jury pool and certainly affects the way anyone who remembers will think of him for a long time to come. If he was a public figure there wouldn't be anything you could do (that 1st Amendment thing) but from my (non-professional) understanding since he is a regular guy they can't broadcast untruths about him or unsubstantiated information that hurt his reputation. It's worth at least talking to a lawyer about (after the criminal stuff is over anyway, until then it will be hard for him to concentrate on the rest).

By the way, how did the cops find the guns? Were they in plain sight? Did he give permission for them to search his vehicle? Did the cops search without permission (in which case how are they justifing the probable cause thing for guns for a broken tail-light)?

[Lord Grey Boots]

Let me guess, the year old crime was umm, a shot up stop sign?

Littering?

[Carbon_15]

how did the cops find the guns? Were they in plain sight? Did he give permission for them to search his vehicle? Did the cops search without permission
All of the guns were cased and either behind the seat or in the trucks tool box. They asked to search the truck when they saw the remainders of a case of 7.62x39 and 12 gague #8 skeet loads on the seat next to him....and a few ziplock bags of empty .38 shells that he was saving for me to reload for him. They disreguarded the ear plugs, safety glasses, targets and stands and they weren't included in the menacing pictures shown on tv...may as well have been dead bodies and amonium nitrate as far as they were conserned.

[Traveler]

Please note that if conviced of ANY of those charges your friend will no longer be able to own, possess, or live in the same house as, a firearm.

I would contact the NRA and the 2nd Amendment foundation and spend big bucks on a nationally known lawyer.

[Hkmp5sd]

Would be a good story to get on the O'Reilly Factor. He'd have a blast with old Chief Jason Amodio and the subsequent confession.

[Oleg Volk]

Post info relating to the case here as it becomes available (esp. any officially provided info for nit-picking). Perhaps THR members with legal experience would chime in.

[JamisJockey]

I say contact the NRA and try and get thier legal defense group in on it.
And contact the ACLU...he's having his rights violated, they had better pony up!

[m.i.sanders]

Story like this sounds like it should come from up North somewhere instead of here. :cuss: Have you thought of contacting Grassroots or GOSC to see if they can help out? I don't know if they'd be able to do much but they might at least be able to help find some legal assistance.

[George Hill]

He needs to sue the newspaper.

[80fl]

Do you have a link to a news print story on this?

[Chaz]

They dont call it "south Kangaroo" for nothing! I sure am glad to know the world is a safer place now. :rolleyes:

For those of you who arn't from there, This "police" force is from a small municipality (crossroads) who is staffed by wanna be young police types and rejects who cant get hired anywhere else. And as far as WLTX is concerned, They are no different than any other media outlet. All they seek are ratings, not truth.

By the way Carbon_15, the next time it rains hard in Dentsville, Watch WLTX news and you can hear the rain on the tin roof!

[Sven]

I've been reconsidering my graduate school options and hearing things like this makes me want to be a lawyer.

Scary thought.

[thumbtack]

:fire: *** :fire: I hope your friend sues WLTX.

What was the year old crime?

Keep us posted on the outcome.

[Carbon_15]

Chaz, I'm glad to hear someone else is farmiliar with "south Central Congaree":p . It used to be a quiet little out of the way community, but our little wannabe SS officers are quickly turning it into a ghost town. 2 years ago we had 2 patrol cars and 3 full time officers. Now we have increased our police force exponentialy and they have taken to unmarked, blacked out, FBI-looking cruisers and paramilitary BD Uniforms. You would think the increase in policing was to meet a rising crime rate...but you would be wrong. The crime rate is extreamly low in this little hamlet. The police chief was recently quoted in the local paper as saying they were going to DOUBLE the towns budget with citations and fines. :scrutiny: I have personaly been pulled over and searched 3 times in the last 6 monthes (concented to search, its just easier that way, nothing was found and there was no probable cause, but if you get pulled in South Congaree you are going to get searched one way or another). All 3 times I was pulled initialy for silly reasons...my vehicle matched a description, had my interior dome light on while driving, etc. My mother recently got a $200 ticket for having an obstructed licence plate...the obstruction was the dealer installed plastic advertising ring around the license plate?!?!
Bottom line is, the South Congaree police dept. is getting way out of hand...just drive around it if you can. This big time terrorist bust is just what they have been waiting for. Sad, considering I was born and raised there and consider it my hometown.

[4v50 Gary]

Ohmigawd - the Chief has a small town cop complex and wants to prove he's just as tough as the big boys by passing out citations and creating issues like "terrorists" where none exists. Send him to LA or NY or Chicago and see how long he lasts.

[Hkmp5sd]

Send him to LA or NY or Chicago and see how long he lasts.

Or wait until he comes across a real terrorist instead of a teenaged boy.

[KY Moose]

Like I said over at Glock Talk, I hope the best for your friend. ;)

He did violate the law by having the firearms and not having someone 21 or older with him. That does not make him a terrorist though. The folks in the media really need to read a little and get the true definition of terrorism and what makes someone a terrorist. Another example of blind labeling.

Just like I posted over at GT, laws that say someone who is 18, 19, and 20 can't buy alcohol or firearms are just stupid. If you can vote, and or go over seas while in the military and fight for Uncle Sam, then why the hell can't you go out and get a drink or buy a firearm? It's backward if you ask me.

[NewShooter78]

That really sucks about your friend. Not only would I take the tv station to civil court, but I'd also drag the police dept into it as well. Your friend should find a really nasty lawyer for this one.

[ajacobs]

Is it also illegal to have a loaded long gun in your car in SC?

[Peetmoss]

Sorry to here about your friend that just stinks. And I hope you guys get rid of that idiot sherrif

[faustulus]

I'd sue the local TV station for slander.

If he isn't convicted I would sue, but I would sue under slander and "false light." Slander is hard to prove, but false light is much more lenient and he can sue even if he is convicted on weapons charges. I and since it doesn't cost anything to add to a suit, he should name everyone, police, station, talking head, graphic designer. I don't know what the media sheild laws are in SC but it couldn't hurt.

[bbrins]

Crap, with that measly stash of ammunition, if he's a terrorist, I am Osama!


That sounds like a lot of us on TFL / THR. Sue the pants off of the T.V. station if you can.

[Don Gwinn]

That sucks, but it looks like they have him over a barrel. He can't afford a felony, and it sounds like that's what he committed. No, the law doesn't make much sense, but he did violate it and they have that club over him now.

If he wins a False Light lawsuit against the TV station but loses his RKBA and franchise, that's not a win. :(

[Waitone]

Whatever you do, don't leave your wallet on the roof of your car. For the sake of your dog's life keep the car door closed next time you are tossed.

Where does a town the size of yours gets the money to provide LE all the fashionable toys and clothes?

[Carbon_15]

Where does a town the size of yours gets the money to provide LE all the fashionable toys and clothes?

By giving everyone who passes through and so much as spits their gum out a $200 ticket...


Thanks for all the kind words and suggestions, they have been passed along. Josiah was actualy at my house this afternoon shooting a few rounds of skeet...he needed some cheering up.



THIS SEIZURE HELPED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SOLVE A YEAR - OLD CASE....confessed to having shot many of these guns in the area."
Maybe they can finaly close the book on that year-old noise complaint..ya think? Perhaps Josiah is actualy the shoot-a-gun-in-the-air-in-the-middle-of-the-night-and-scare-the-bluehairs bandit:scrutiny:

[Sportcat]

Here's the link to the television station... www.wltx.com

If it makes it in the newspaper, you'll find it at www.thestate.com

I'll keep my eyes and ears open for more details.

-Sportcat

[Bruce H]

Chief Wuggums and his merry band of SS trouppers would look mighty fine handcuffed naked around the flagpole in the middle of the square. These idiots need a real lesson in terrorism.

[Betty]

Did we really need that mental picture? :rolleyes:

[blades67]

"...or the temporary loan of pistols for instructions under the
immediate supervision of a parent or adult instructor."

KY Moose is correct if he didn't have a 21 year old "parent or adult instructor" with him, he is in violation of the law for possessing the handguns.

It's still a big crock of crap.:banghead:

[twoblink]

Obviously, they don't know what Tamara's cache looks like; because his stash is what me and my friends shoot in an afternoon outing...

[Arkady]

Carbon, which range was your friend leaving? I normally shoot at Mid-Carolina, but if it's somewhere else, and a public range, i think i could make an exception... Along with several friends.

I'm thinking a machine gun shoot, replete with all the necessary tax stamps, getting busted would be an excellent way to demonstrate incompetence on the part of some of the officers.

[falconer]

Ok, what is the definition of an adult these days? I certainly thought it was 18.

As an 18 year old you can: buy a home, sign legal documents, vote, buy a rifle, etc...

You are an adult in every legal sense, but heaven forbid you have a beer or buy a handgun.

Ohio law is the same way, can't buy a handgun until 21, but you can posses one if supervised by an adult. Well what the hell is an adult? someone over 18 right?

The idiocy of our criminal justice system is beyond me.

[stockpile]

it does say "adult instructor" not a 21 year old. what is an adult? sorry about your friend carbon i hope he dosent loose his gun rights... I'm still in shock that they called a member of the national guard a terrorist!!


OT here in colorado for tuition purposes you are considered a resident of your parents state until you are 23 unless you can prove that you recieve no support from them. Pretty hard to gather the documentation to do such even if you recieve squat from your folks. Even difficult for people in their 30's who obviously are not supported by their parents. They want you to prove each and every source of income and total documentation of all expenses. Guilty until proven innocent.

OT you also dont qualify for federal financial aid based on your own income untill you are 25.

Then people say "those darn kids these days" well we're treated like kids until we are 25 yo. what do they expect?


STOCKPILE.

[John Galt]

Most court cases are just a sham. The DA files many more charges than he actually wants to win. Then, your attorney "gets" him to drop most of them in exchange for a guilty plea. The DA gets points for another conviction and you think your attorney actually did something for you. The local attorney also tries to keep the judge and DA happy because he has to come before them every week. It's a game where the outcome is setup up front. Maybe a public defender would be the way to go?

If it wasn't for the $$$ involved, I would hire an out of town & vicisious attorney.

Are you 21? Can't you testify he was returning from the range where he had brought the guns for instruction?
Also, that law looks like it was written to keep teens from buying a gun, not from mere possession. If he keeps his mouth shut, he might win. If it's a small town, I'd go for a jury trial. I'd also spend $50 bucks on a case of those booklets explaining jury nullification and put one in every mailbox in town....

[Pendragon]

John is right.

What you need is a SERIOUS campaign in your town to show what a good guy your friend is - flyers passed out on Jury Nullification, something to get his story out, car washes for legal help, etc.

Your friend is 19 and just starting out - it is worth literally whatever it takes for him to make it through this without a felony record.

If that happened to my son, I would spend every last cent I had to keep him free. I would probably go on a hunger strike in front of city hall or something to really make the point.

I used to think hunger strikes were stupid, but they tend to get a lot of attention and sympathy from people. His dad camping out there would draw attention to the plight and would turn the citizens against the powers that be and make them vervous - then he needs a good lawyer to go in and plead it all down to disturbing the peace - give them something stupid like that to save face.

Good luck.

My only advice would be the same advice I said to you when you had your run of trouble:

There are no rules: Play to win.

[Blain]

Don't we as American citizens have the ability to defend ourselves therefore bypassing all the expenses the courts try to drag you down with? Heck, it's better than just giving up and is sure worth a shot. I would do it, and I don't care if I had to buy several law books and spend hours pouring over them to do it.

[Kahr carrier]

That sucks hope he gets cleared.:(

[45King]

Carbon, I missed all this somehow. Thanks for posting it, and I surely hope for your friend's sake, and justice's sake, that he's able to beat the rap.

I'm also glad to know to stay away from S. Congaree. I very seldom have any need to go there, and I now have an even more compelling reason to stay the hell away!

That makes two local depts. to watch out for: S. Congaree, and Cayce/W. Columbia.

[Waitone]

FWIW, I grew up in Columbia (Forest Acres area).

Where is South Congaree? I never heard that town name before. What's it near?

[Chris Rhines]

Ahem! Art? You out there, Art? You did recently say something about 'tinfoil-hats', right?

:D

- Chris

[Sleeping Dog]

I searched the WLTX web site and didn't find anything on this story. Is the station purging their records, backing away from the story?

Is this another case where the media jumps on a photo op, then figures out there is no story?

Regards.

[lapidator]

They asked to search the truck when they saw the remainders of a case of 7.62x39 and 12 gague #8 skeet loads on the seat next to him.

I don't understand. These pro-2ndA cops probably saw the remaining ammo and wanted to strike up a friendly conversation about shooting. What's the big deal, i mean, of course you should volunteer your possession status to a LEO during a traffic stop -- if they want to search the truck, fine. We're all on the same team here guys. :rolleyes:

lapidator

[45King]

Waitone wrote:FWIW, I grew up in Columbia (Forest Acres area).

Where is South Congaree? I never heard that town name before. What's it near?

It's on SC 302 past the Cola Metro Airport, IOW, the Southeast side, heading towards Aiken.

I live in Forest Acres now, BTW. Well, not actually "in." My street is unincorporated, and is actually part of Richland County. However, we do get Forest Acres police response, which is 5 minutes or less in most cases. Strange that we're not a part of the city but get police protection from the city. (It wasn't always this way; for most of the 17 years I've lived here, police response was by Richland County. This just changed within the last 4 or 5 years.) However, everything else we receive is either Richland County or City of Columbia.

[bogie]

Does the place have a chamber of commerce? Send 'em a note, and tell 'em you'll make it a point to NEVER spend a dime in their county. Mail order, travel, whatever.

[Bog]

I think my current signature pretty much says it all.

[Med 10]

I think this is absolutely pathetic!! I,m sorry that youre friend was humiliated like that.

I also think its sad that these pigs could not even make safe the AK. mmm, i mean the SKS.


What a bunch of morons. they give cops a bad name. Busted tail light. PULEASE!

[JohnBT]

I hope your friend can get a good lawyer.

Unlawful possession of 3 loaded handguns? He needs a good lawyer to defend him and to explain the law to him. It's a shame he didn't find out what was legal first. Or did he know and not care?

If he's going to blatantly disregard the law tell him to at least cover up the guns and ammo and ditch any gun-related bumper stickers.

Here's what I think of the cop bashers: Close your eyes, what do you see? You think they should have winked and let him go with 3 loaded handguns?

John

[tetchaje1]

Countersue everybody. I hate to say it, but it seems like the only way for your friend to get his life back.

I agree with contacting the NRA and getting a really good lawyer.

Just say "NO!" to illegal vehicle searches. I like my 4th Amendment rights, thank you!

[DeltaElite]

I would have let him go, but than again, I don't enforce stupid gun laws. Too busy working on real crime, unlike alot of cops.

As for not being smart enough to know the gun laws in your state... The ignorant always suffer, through their own ignorance.

Learn your states gun laws and if you know them and violate them, be prepared to get arrested, since most cops will enforce them.

[Carbon_15]

Sleeping Dog....Yep. I had to e-mail them to get a transcript of the story, and then it was only a PERTIAl transcript with lots of "....'s".

Thanks for all the good ideas and wishes. I talked to him and his father a few minutes ago and from what I understand, some of the more creative suggestions are under serious consideration. His Mom, Dad and 2 brothers (all with coresponding biblical names:) )are ready to go to the mat for him, no holds bared.

On an interesting note, the Town Meeting was tonight and my mother attended. The main subject was, of all things, overboard policing. They handed out a flier with a complete list of last years offences itemised in an effort to stir up a little sympathy for what the local lawdogs had to put up with. I found it interesting that there were 476 citations or arrests for pot but only ONE for CDV. Ok, something dosn't jive here. This is a small southern town...lets be honest...there has to be more than ONE incident of a drunk redneck poping his old lady in the eye. But guess what...CDV dosn't generate as much fine money for the coffers and is harder to investigate/handle than rolling some kid for a pipe w/ residue or some seeds. Or it could be that they are to busy giving every 5th car or so that passes through a ticket and complimentary search to work on real crime.

[Sportcat]

Carbon,

Saw a piece on WACH last night that said a lot of residents in South Congaree are complaining that the police down there are out of control.

That might help your friend's case out if it goes to court.

[ball3006]

I dug out my copy of state firearms laws and determined that the reason your friend got busted is his possession of handguns and being under 21. Can't do it in SC unless he is accompied by someone over 21. Firearms have to be locked and not accessable from the driver too. Being in the national guard has no bearing unless he is on duty....chris3

[8Balls]

In Finland you can buy and own a handgun at the ripe age of 15. I got my first Glock (G17 and some fullcap mags, "Restricted in usa post 9.13.1994") and just had to ask my dad to sign and make somekind of informal document that I was smart and careful enough to own guns...

[El Rojo]

Wow, can't complain about Finland's treatment of the youth. 15!!! :eek:

[KMKeller]

Carbon_15 - Any new developments? Have you found out what the year old crime is supposed to be?

Kirk

[jim]

if any of the long guns were loaded and or mags loaded he could be in violation of yout state fish & game laws.
here in co it is illegal to have in your vehicle any loaded long guns. which alot of folks do not realize is a felony.
i found out when leaving the range one day. luckily for me it was someone i knew.

[Azrael256]

It seems to me that this mad hunt for terrorists is going to end up creating them. How long until somebody gets popped for "illegal" posession of a .22 revolver and retaliates by truck-bombing a building? Great idea here! Keep up the idiotic laws and the military-style law enforcement and somebody with real dangerous power is going to snap.

[seeker_two]

Get a good, vicious trial lawyer.
Fight the charges.
Do not plead.
Plan to appeal--to the SCOTUS if necessary.
Sue EVERYBODY INVOLVED.
Bring the case up in every city meeting as an example of overzealous policing.
When election time comes, get out & politic against every concilmember who allows the police to continue to act this way.


And, if these don't work...:evil:

[ScottsGT]

I too avoid South Congaree. they (the PD) are WAY OVERBOARD on their tactics and a lot of the people of Columbia that have to pass thru there are getting fed up with their heavy badged ways. They better be careful before Rambo passes thru town! :fire: Please keep us posted as to the outcome.

[ajacobs]

I am going to take an unpopular standpoint here.

I certaily don't know many of the facts but based on carbon 15 saying that he had a loaded rifle and handguns in his possesion which were both against the law. I hope he is convicted. While I wish that those two things were not against the law, I am often the one out there complaining that we should enforce the laws we already have. How can I complain about that now. I might support jury nullification in this case though if the facts are strickly his possesion and no other factors.

[ScottsGT]

One other small point I did not think about. In SC, a back up lamp is NOT required, if my memory serves me correctly. This might have been an illegal stop all together, which means that it could all get thrown out of court.

[PATH]

Darn it! What is going on with this case at present? When is the trial? What happened at the town meeting when folks complained about the PD? Is it really true that a backup lamp is not required in SC? :confused:

[Carbon_15]

He went to court last Thursday and requested a jury trial. No trial date has been set as of yet. Other than that, no new developpments.
The town meeting was set up to drum up sympathy and make excusess for the local abuse of power...to make the chickens cry for the fox. Pretty much went over like a flatulant in a diving helmet. They local police are cooling there heels a little bit lately..untill all the bad press and civil suits blow over anyway.

[ScottsGT]

Carbon 15,
Spoke with a close friend/attorney last night about this situation. He told me that the backup lamp out was not an excuse to be pulled. In SC you only have to have one tial light working. But the "probable cause" of a spent shotgun shell in the back of the truck is bogus. What is illegal about a spent shotgun shell? Probable cause has to show violation of the law. He said that a good attorney can make this go away and it should cost about $3000 to handle a case like this. Then sue the PD and the TV station after this is thrown out of court. JUST MAKE SURE HE GETS AN ATTORNEY. HIS 2ND AMENDMENT RIGHTS ARE AT STAKE HERE!! And that lasts for life.

[Dennis]

... in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

What have we let become of our country?
Unless there's more to the story, this is just plain sick. :mad:

[bogie]

Since they used the "T" word in print, I'd guess that you've got a pretty fair shot at a libel suit. Spend the $$ on the criminal defense, then sue.

What do you think your bud's gonna do with his new newspaper?

[4v50 Gary]

LE responds well to training and responds better to lawsuits. Bad publicity brings down chiefs faster than gravity. Get your buddty to take this man down. Afterwards, he turns on the "media" and it would be nice if at court as a character witness his sergeant and captain appeared and testified what a "model" soldier he was too. That's important when it comes to a lawsuit for being slandered as a terrorist.

[PATH]

I think Gary hit it right on the nail!

Carbon, is there anything we at THR here can do?

[KMKeller]

Carb, I'd be glad to kick in a few bucks for your friends defense if you're willing to manage a fund for him.

[Watch-Six]

This case stinks to high heaven. Reporting sensationalism and inaccuracy coupled with gestapo style police work. Mention the word "gun" and everyone is either a drug dealer or a terrorist. At least that is how it gets reported in the media. Have we come to the point where we cannot let our soldiers have guns? This is really pissing me off. :cuss: Watch-Six

[Waitone]

City council hires Chief
Chief hires LE grunts
LE grunts do citizens
Newspaper sees story and reports differnt story.

This nonsense will cease when city council is turned out of office.
This nonsense will cease when a chief or two is field dressed in front of the newspaper.
Newspapers will pay more attention to facts when their ownership is transferred to people who were slandered.

Fear has the marvelously effect of clarifying the mind and focusing attention on self-preservation.

Lawyers: can live with 'em, can't live without 'em.

[CZ-75]

Lawyers: can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em.

You need one because someone else has one, and he's pointed in your direction.

Sounds a great deal like firearms.

[hawk0484]

Thanks for the information. I have 3 teen sons, 2 who are avid (rabid?) hunters. I read this to them early this morning. It served as a good reminder to them to ALWAYS have their shotguns or rifles unloaded when transporting them.

The young man's arrest and the following TV report seem extreme, in my opinion...a case of seeing terrorists under every rock. Sometimes local authorities in small towns have "wannabe" attitudes (as in, I want to be an FBI agent, but can't).

About 30 years ago, I was stopped outside of little rinky-dink Wellford, SC. It had a reputation as being a speed trap back then & I knew I was well under the posted speed limit. The reason he gave for stopping me was "you have a slightly slack tire there that you need to take care of, little lady." Why did he stop me? Because he could. Seems like there's quite a bit of the "because I can" attitude here, also.

I wish your friend well, and hope his parents can afford to hire a killer-diller attorney to draw attention to this.

[Keith]

I'm still confused here...

Didn't you say you were with him? If so and you are over 21, what is the charge? And if you aren't over 21, why weren't you arrested as well?

And what happened to that "year old crime" this was tied to? It sounds like he was on THE LIST for something... what was it?

I wish you'd clarify some of this.

In any case, good luck!

Keith

[Carbon_15]

NO..I am not him.

Please re-read the thread, it will make more sence

[Neo]

A good defense in court would be that he is a member of the national guard, and as a member of the militia (liberal definition) his right to keep and bear arms, even when h=not on duty, cannot be infringed.

[rick458]

Let us know the out come looks like an Illeagle stop
No stop = no search = no crime

[Peetmoss]

If I remember correctly he agreed to the search. If one agrees to a search they do not need probably cause. The police can ask whenever they feel like it to search if you say NO they need probable cause. If you agree you give up your right to illegal search and seizure. If I am remembering right either you need to give your lawyer friend the real facts or, your lawyer friend needs to go back to law school.

[HABU]

What's the big deal, i mean, of course you should volunteer your possession status to a LEO during a traffic stop

Of course?
You can squeal on your self all you want to. Some states mandate you do so. Some dont. You may be shocked to learn that not everyone tells Officer Stadanko that they are packing.

[Don Gwinn]

Actually, I believe Carbon_15 said he was not with the lad at the time.

Ajacobs:
I hope he is convicted. While I wish that those two things were not against the law, I am often the one out there complaining that we should enforce the laws we already have. How can I complain about that now.
Well, let's think about this for a moment. First of all, you're right. It is hypocritical for you to complain about lax enforcement and then hope for the boy to be acquitted. The good news is, there's hope. As you have already noted, you must give up one position or the other. You have two choices if you want to be consistent:

1. You can take the road you've chosen, sticking with your law-and-order hard enforcement-of-the-laws-we-have stance. This requires that you abandon your compassion for the kid who violated the law (the one you just said you wish was not a law.)

or

2. You can stick with your feeling that the kid didn't really do anything wrong, thus the law is unjust and ought to be challenged. Let me note for the record here that the traditional method of challenging a law as unfair or unconstitutional in the U.S. is to break the law and appeal the conviction. If you have any hope for any reform of unconstitutional laws from the courts, you will have to embrace civil disobedience. Granted that this boy probably didn't think of what he did as civil disobedience, he can make it so by his actions now.

You have to change one of your positions--but that does NOT mean you have only one choice.

[Erik]

Well...

This seems like a dandy time to remind everyone that regardless of what you think of the state of present day firearms legislation where you reside, it behooves you to obey it, all the more so while away from your place of residence.

That said, I hope your friend either gets off on the tail light technicality or is offered a misdemeanor plea so he can maintain his RKBA. (That technicality would have to be pretty cut and dry, though...)

[ScottsGT]

Peetmoss,
the error was on my side. I forgot that he agreed to the search. But don't be slammin' my buddy!:D
He's one hell of a bulldog in the courtroom if your ever injured on the job. And one of the top attorneys in the state in his field. But he does have first hand experience with the taillight out situation. He got pulled a few decades back because of a taillamp that was burned out. He kindly quoted the statute to the officer and sent him on his way. Not to mention he has this really great 145 acres that we hunt, fish and shoot on!:neener:

[TallPine]

regardless of what you think of the state of present day firearms legislation where you reside, it behooves you to obey it

So "Molon Labe" is just a cute slogan that we all throw around ....?

:D

[Carbon_15]

Well guys, its crunch time for my friend. The legal bills are getting to be to much for him and his family to handle. They are fighting for all they are worth, but are almost at the point of having to make a bargain with the DA. The prosecutors are giving him the full court press (no pun intended) and plan to prosecute to the full extent of the law with no breaks or consideration for his squeaky clean record. His lawyer commented that if this had been a drug charge instead of a firearms charge he would have gotten off with community service because of his clean record. But because of the current political stigma surrounding guns, he is facing up to 6 years of hard time in the penitentiary, and a discharge from the Air Force.
Even though he asked me not to, I am taking the liberty to set up a legal defence fund to try to take some of the burdon off of his family. With my divorce proceding in full swing, this is a tough time for me, but I strongly beleave that cases like his are very important to defending all of our second ammendment rights, so I am contributing all that I can. If anyone else feels like they can afford to help Johsia fight this battle it would be greatly apreciated. Any small amount would go a long way. If we don't stand and fight together we will all hang seperatly!
Thank you very much,
Jason


If anyone wishes to contribute, you can send it to:

Jason Weaver or Johsia Gardner
PO box 280521
Columbia, South Carolina 29228

[standingbear]

sounds like he was being watched for 1 reason or another.the tail light just an excuse to stop him and inspect his truck.if memory serves me correctly,if he have asked for a warrent,the officers could have used the spent shell casing lying on the seat as probable cause.what it boils down to is the broken tail light.how did they know it was broken(im assuming it was light out.lol) and was it something that could be easily seen from a cars length away?sufficent to warrant a traffic stop?something stinks of reelection.the 3 handguns and loaded guns are whats going to be hard to fight.id sue the paper that printed the story.he hasnt been convicted yet.good luck.

[ajacobs]

What is the basis of his defence given that he gave consent to search and that he was in violation of the law?

[LiquidTension]

Carbon - what range was he leaving?

To everyone else - It is not illegal to have a loaded gun in your car in SC. I've been pulled over and had my car searched with my loaded Kimber in the glove box (of course, I was over 21). What did the officer say?
LEO: "Why do you have this?"
me: "It's just something I have."

I didn't feel the need to justify my ownership of a firearm. When he handed the pistol to me at the end of the ordeal, he said "You might want to find a safer weapon than a cocked and locked 1911." Naturally I almost laughed in his face, since he was carrying a Glock. That guy was Cayce PD, but he was pretty cool.

[ajacobs]

It was a loaded long gun which was mentioned in the post that it was illegal in SC. Although I am not a resident of that state and don't know. But I believe that was one of the charges. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[Sportcat]

I carried my gun loaded in my car.

[KMKeller]

Jason, was there ever any clarification on the "terrorist" allegations and the solving of the year old crime?

[Alan Smithiee]

we had a "terrorist" busted here last week, according to the Govenor he was one of the people who planned 9/11...

so far he's just been charged with Visa Violations.

no way he's gonna get a fair trial in THIS part of the country.

if it ever comes to trial (Bets are they will just deport him so that they don't have to show eveidence (or the feds illegal actions) in court

[ScottsGT]

LiquidTension,
You were pulled in Cayce and had a gun? Your still alive, Hmmm. You must be white. That area is run by the biggest group of Keystone Cops there ever has been. Remember last year when the Cayce Cop shot at the "intruder"? It was someone in his own house where the power had been shut off since he was moving. He was getting together the last few items using a flashlight. Thank God Barney was a bad shot and only had one bullet.
I'm pitching in for the defence fund. May not be much, but I feel I've got to help somewhat since this is a LOCAL guy. What I have not heard is if the shooting range orginazation is offering any assistance to him, or if they are putting any pressure on the local PD?

[ScottsGT]

Carbon 15, please check your private mail on the forum.

[Carbon_15]

You are right on Scott. The problem is, the city of Cayce cleaned house about a year ago and fired most of the Keystone Cops. Guess where they all got jobs....BINGO, South Congaree.
KMKeller, we have never got a clear answer on the "year old case" comment, only alot of backpeddeling. He hasn't been charged with any addition things and there havent even been any other official alegations. From what we can gather it was just sensationalism..something important sounding to say infront of the cameras. As far as the 'terrorist' comment, well he had lots of guns and ammo, dosn't that obviously make him a terrorist? Had this happened 4 or 5 years ago, he would have been called a school shooter. Terrorist just happens to be the word of the day.
Thanks so much to everyone for the support.
Jason Weaver

[Jmurman]

where in South Carolina are you located?

How can we help?

[BigJake_old]

Carbon 15,
Hey how bout opening a paypal account?? i'll definatly kick in some cash for your buddy, but convience would really make that easier, if not i'll toss a check in the mail monday. good luck!

[Oleg Volk]

Floated this for a while. I *don't know* the full facts of this case but it looks worthy of further investigation.

[BigJake_old]

hey, another thought, why isn't your buddy on THR?? seems he'd fit in well.

[BB93YJ]

Man, what a crock of B.S. It's hard to believe that there's not one pro-gun 2nd Amendment lawyer in South Carolina that wouldn't take your friends' case Pro Bono purely for the principle of the matter.

I hope your friend fights, and never quits till he wins, and for Heaven's sake, doesn't make any deals with the p.o.s. prosecutor.

[Agent Z]

The amzing thing about the TV station is the bleeding heart liberal way they slanderize things they know absolutley nothing about. They mentioned solving a year old case but didn't mention the case. Morons. Every single one of em simply burns me up. What burns me up even more is that all the bleeding heart heart yuppy larva who saw the news that day bought every d%$# word of it!! :banghead:

[keyhole]

Best of luck to your friend. Maybe someone can talk to the prosecutor, and give him the straight talk on what is going on.

[beemerb]

I am a very small fixed income so I can't send much to help.But I can send a little.If eveybody does send even a small amount it could add up and help.
So everbody dig a little.It is a good cause I think
Bob

[Carbon_15]

Thanks again to everyone. Bob, thats the spirit friend.

I have been trying to get Johsia over to THR and formerly TFL, but he spends very little time online. He is one of those that is content to check his E-mail once a week and log-off. Me, I battle THR withdrawals all day at work :p

[Yohan]

The law's the law and he shouldn't have broken it. Tt would be wrong for him to get away with breaking a law. He should have known better. People who break law should be punished. End of story.

[palomine]

Stuff like this is sickening. Last Monday my son and his girlfriend walked into a 24 hour Walgreen's about 11:30 PM. Little did they know, They walked into the middle of an armed robbery. My son and girlfriend were taken hostage AT GUNPOINT !
The incident ended without any injuries, and two of the thieves were caught on the way out of the store. (The third guy got away).Great police work !
My son is VERY familiar with guns, but because he is 19, he can't carry a defense weapon until he is 21 in the state of Florida. When my son described the details to me, he indicated how STUPID this trio was. Several times they turned their backs to him and left the hostages unattended. Even if it was only for a few seconds, it would have been enough time for any competent person to take action. These idiots didn't even bring bags to stuff the money into. They stuffed cash into their pockets and down their shirts, and as they ran out they dropped most of it..
It turns out that this trio of morons, have been doing heists in South Florida for the passed 5 or 6 months.
How could the cops be so inept as to not have been able to catch these guys before?

I guess they were to busy busting terrorists on their way back from the range.
On any given Sunday, I should be arrested.
What a strange Media we have. Anything for the hype !

Thanks for letting me vent.

[CB900F]

Atc1man;
I can't post a link, but I strongly believe that contacting the ACLU on this matter would be an exercise in futility. The ACLU has, I do believe, gone on record as being a staunch defedner of all liberties except those granted by the 2nd. Can anybody else here support me on this? 900F

[Walosi]

On the wall of the entry/lobby of the ACLU in DC, there is a line of gold plaques, each one engraved with one of the amendments.....except for the Second Amendment. It is missing.

[CampX]

May I mention something that I feel has been sorely overlooked throughout all of these posts? THIS COULD HAPPEN TO ANY ONE OF YOU. In the so-called land of the free. The coming months and years are going to test the laws and the peoples resolves to the limit. Be vigilant, because things aren't looking too rosey (Rosie)......

[Combat-wombat]

This story simply makes me sick. This poor kid's life is going to be ruined because he violated a law that shouldn't even be there. Someone should send that police cheif and his f**king SWAT troopers to go fight some real terrorists (like mentioned earlier in the thread). Violating the Fourth Amendment wouldn't save his a** then , now would it?

[Waitone]

Did anyone talk to the NRA?

[yankytrash]

Anybody contacted Grassroots South Carolina yet? VCDL's been in close contact with them as of late (in regards to the forthcoming reciprocity) and they been very rabid as of late.

http://www.scfirearms.org/

GrassRoots South Carolina
P.O. Box 6383
Columbia, SC 29260
Or Fax: (803) 755-1201

Ed Kelleher, President: pres@scfirearms.org

[falconer]

People who break law should be punished. End of story.

This is the type of attitude that hurts us in the end. Just because something is law doesn't mean it is right, or constitutional for that matter.

Change is hard to come by, but laws like this need changed. I hated being treated like a second class citizen because I had not yet reached the magic age of 21. Strict enforcement of status offenses like this make me sick.

[BigJake_old]

so are we going to help this guy out or not?? i know most of you can afford to donate something, shoot, if all THR people sent this guy a buck that would be more than plenty for a starter, maybe even turn some publicity on this (the good kind) the media loves that whole group effort thing, maybe turn the tide around on them

[BB93YJ]

Is there a paypal account set up for donations yet? If so, I'm in for a donation. I'd like to think that although most don't know me, they'd come to my aid in a similiar situation. Remember,
"All that is needed for Evil to triumph is that good men (and women) stand by and do nothing" or words to that effect.
Or, are most gunnies just a lot of hot air when it comes to standing in the gap? Helping one has the results of helping all.

[Cosmoline]

It's getting worse than I thought down there. I would expect this in LA, but South Carolina?? Does anyone know if under-aged possession is a felony there? Hope not.

[ScottsGT]

yankytrash,
I've had a few E-mail discussions with Ed of Grassroots. I'm going to forward them to Carbon-15 tomorrow when I get back to work, a little easier than trying to forward my work E-mail from home. I sent Ed the link to this discussion and I think he is aware of it. We (I'm a member) are trying to change the laws on 18 year olds possesing handguns. But unfortunately, he did break the law, dumb as it is, he still broke it. You probably won't see NRA helping out on this one either. But GR does not have the funding for this kind of legal support. I think in this kind of situation, this young man would be a good "Poster Child" for the repeal of this law.

[Combat-wombat]

Sooo... any updates yet? Lets not let this thread die 'til that kid gets justice!

[ScottsGT]

I'd really like to know what's going on here. My donation to his legal fund came back stamped "Return to Sender, address unknown" And I ain't singing no Elvis song here! :confused:

[Carbon_15]

Once more, thanks to everyone one who has steped up to help. It really means alot, and is being put to good use. There aren't any real updates so far, the next court date hasn't been set as of yet, but we are expecting it to be in about 2 monthes. His lawyer just obtained a copy of the channel 19 story on VHS and I am working on getting a few copies made. If his lawyer clears it, I will send a copy to everyone who donates. I promise you, the tape will make you furious.
Thanks
Jason

[Sportcat]

Carbon,

Any chance you can dump the story onto a server so we can all download, or view it?

[Carbon_15]

I'll give it a shot. The only problem is the story is in VHS format. Anyone know how I can change that into a digital format?

[Combat-wombat]

I don't know how to convert VHS to digital. However, I think there are professionals out there who can. Try looking around on the internet and in phone books

[Arkady]

Anyone local with a decent TV Tuner setup in their computer should be able to do it... i'd offer, but the audio is recording out of sync on mine, at present.

[Edward429451]

Any small amount would go a long way. If we don't stand and fight together we will all hang seperatly!

Amen to that. Wife's just got laid off and I'm starting a new business in the slow season cause I got laid off in December by scrooge, but I'll send what I can and hope it helps because this should not go unchecked. It wont be much so dont worry bout sending me a tape, that costs money too and I know how lawyers are so no sweat on that. Besides, I know how they made him sound on the news. I've been there in a sickening similar situation albeit I was at home. I did get my guns back but it was by paying the piper (lawyer) and playing hardball with them. Forfeit your guns, we'll drop the charges. Pfftt. Dont waive no rights! No plea bargains unless its REALLY sweet. He'll fare better. But I digress...

Somebody said their check/mail came back? Is this address good and correct?

Jason Weaver or Johsia Gardner
PO box 280521
Columbia South Carolina 29228

Lets keep this addy on top.:fire:

[Combat-wombat]

Carbon, see if you can set up a paypal account (even though they are anti-gun). It would be much more convenient. BTW, are you getting anywhere on that VHS to digital conversion with that tape?

[MAKOwner]

Yeah, I've left my pistols at home back before I turned 21 to avoid exactly this situation. Of course they probably still would have arrested him to start with it sounds like anyway, but at least he wouldn't be having this trouble now.

But that news article makes me furious, they obviously had absolutely no idea what the heck they were seeing, or doing...

[Strings]

BTT

[Combat-wombat]

C'mon, let's keep this thread going...

[Edward429451]

I hope thats a good addy, cause I mailed it out. Wonder where Carbons been?

[Combat-wombat]

So... Carbon...how's the weather out there?

[Combat-wombat]

Carbon hasn't been on since March 17. Maybe he's on a top-secret mall ninja mission, deep behind enemy lines:scrutiny:

[Sportcat]

The town of South Congaree is up to it again. This is where Carbon-15's buddy got pulled....

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/5727592.htm

[Waitone]

--1 jigger of "small southern town politics"
--2 jiggers of "Drug War"
--1 jigger of "Town Budget Funding"
--A twist of civil rights violations
--2 olives of PO'd town residents
--Shake vigorously in the press
--Pour out slowly over unreasonable search
--Insert on American flag

Enjoy "The American Police State"

[Carbon_15]

Just wanted to drop in and give everyone an update. Sorry it took me so long to get a new update but my motorcycle crash has had me pretty tied up lately. Josiah was activated and deployed with oporation Iraqi Freedom. He won't have to worry about the trial for another 6-8 monthes because of his deployment, but they are still denying PTI or any type of consideration...they want to make an example out of him.
BTW officer Jonas who is discused in that newspaper article posted by sportcat was the arresting officer in my friends case. For some reason he has a real hate on for gun owners.

Sorry to cut it short, but I'm still having a hard time typing with the broken hands and wrist.

[Glamdring]

BTT
***

Still doing fund raising? I am working on some fund raising for some RKBA activities and I am sure at least a couple of sponsers would be willing to help with a situation like this.

He is ACTIVE duty now? In Iraq? May need to use handgun?

:banghead:

[WingZero]

Hey Carbon_15, you can convert VHS to digital pretty easily. Go to cuircut city, they have a RCA to USB cable. you just hook up your VCR to your computer. The pricey part is getting software that will record it. The software can be found at cuircut city aswell but costs starts out at about $65 and up......
If you need any help with the transfer, let me know. I am a audio and post production (film/video) engineer.
I'm sorry to hear that your friend is going throught all that BS.
I live in SC too, and have often wondered what would happen if I was pulled on the way home from the range. I hate that that is one possibility.
I hope everything works out for your friend.

If anyone would like to E-mail WLTX News, and let them know that this situation and their bias to the situation is an outrage, let me know and I'll post their e-mail address.

[ScottsGT]

WingZero,
Please check your private mail.

[Labinnac]

I have access to equipment and software to convert VHS to a video file format. We use it to convert testing videos to vid files so we can store them on CD/email the/etc.

Hell, I'll even post the video on my web page once its converted.

I just wish I would've read this thread earlier.

This is the kind of story that really gets to me. Here we have a kid, that's all he is, a kid. He gets victimized by some, well we're not supposed to use expletives here at THR soooo... The kid gets called to active duty and serves his country like a proud American only to come back to this horrible situation.

I live here in Columbia, SC as well and have just begun to shoot at Mid Carolina on a regular basis. I hate gestapo cops...

I'll do what I can to help.

[Labinnac]

I sent you some further information.

[veloce851]

This case has been of interest to me.. especially considering the irony that they have no problem using the fine firearm handling skills he was taught. Which he will come home and face jail time for.
Its utterly ridiculous.

I sent off a letter to the Savage Nation.
In hopes that Michael will pick it up and discuss it on his show.

If his staff is reading.. this story needs to be made public to put these obsurd anti-gun laws to rest.

But considering the recent supreme court rulings on affirmative action, I'm slowly loosing hope :confused:

[Combat-wombat]

Hey, carbon, are your injuries better now?

[Balog]

I found this on a search. How's it going Carbon? Any updates?

[RustyHammer]

Someone should contact the NRA and see if there is something they can do.

That's crazy ....

Heck, around here, half of the people at the public range were I shoot are LEO. All guns are checked (to make sure it's unloaded) before entering the outdoor facility (off-duty LEOs/volunteers/range officers).

For example, last weekend, there were probably 20 LEO's there ... and I had 2 AK's, 2 AR's, 3 M1's and a couple 1911's. Didn't even rate a second glance. In fact, a couple of them were making suggestions for local places to purchase BULK ammo.

To Serve and Protect !

Things are more laid-back around here ... and I like it that way!

Rusty

[Willard]

The law's the law and he shouldn't have broken it. Tt would be wrong for him to get away with breaking a law. He should have known better. People who break law should be punished. End of story.

And another....

I hope your friend can get a good lawyer.

Unlawful possession of 3 loaded handguns? He needs a good lawyer to defend him and to explain the law to him. It's a shame he didn't find out what was legal first. Or did he know and not care?

If he's going to blatantly disregard the law tell him to at least cover up the guns and ammo and ditch any gun-related bumper stickers.

Here's what I think of the cop bashers: Close your eyes, what do you see? You think they should have winked and let him go with 3 loaded handguns?

John

What is this, Quisling-ville?

may your chains rest lightly upon you as you crouch to lick the hand that feeds you, and may posterity forget that you were once our countryman.

That is, if that wasn't sarcasm.

[LiquidTension]

Willard, I agree with your assessment of the quotes in your post. Sounds like that guy believes that if Congress passed a law requiring us to all turn in our guns, he'd condemn the people that kept them.

Not all laws are constitutional, or even reasonable. I feel no need to obey laws that are ridiculous or a blatant violation of my rights.

Carbon, I hope your recovery is going well. Check in with us sometime!

[Sportcat]

Haven't seen Carbon around THR in a long time.... hope all is well.