Vietnam War hero sentenced to 7 years for decades-old rifle purchase: report

[AlexanderA]

Also, maybe the daughter did make those accusations to the police. She sure wasn't ready to stand up in court and make them. Ever hear that a large percentage of those making sexual abuse allegations are lying? I know that in the era of the #Metoo movement that we're supposed to believe everything that someone says about someone else, sorry ... I'm kind of old fashioned in that way. I require a bit of evidence.

The incriminating photographs were found. Actually, according to the court documents, the daughter went to the house after her father was arrested, recovered the photographs of herself as a young girl in inappropriate poses, and turned them over to police. So it's not just her word. No member of the family is taking the guy's side in this.

 

[Browning]

Was he charged with anything other than the rifle?

 

[boom boom]

No, you're guessing based on ... what?

He pled guilty to the gun charges. If they had enough they would have charged him. It's as simple as that.

I do not guess on the indictment. Your argument about no evidence is simply false. A group of 23 Texans in the Northern District issued a federal criminal indictment in the case. The legal standard involved is more likely than not--e.g. the preponderance of the evidence indicates guilt. He then admitted guilt which takes it beyond reasonable doubt to no doubt whatsoever. Simple possession of a defaced serial number plus the apparent select fire capability without a tax stamp are illegal in all 50 states. He also apparently had pot and cocaine in his possession. Thus mandatory minimums apply. Thus, a confession requires corroborating evidence--the evidence is the firearm and drugs. Case closed.

The only speculation that I engaged was that perhaps he pled guilty to avoid other charges either at the federal or state level. Today, I am not at work so do not want to access PACER nor do I see a need to do so because all accounts agree that he pled guilty to the charges brought by the federal government. Whether or not additional allegations are true or not, they will affect his bid for clemency.

 

[Browning]

I do not guess on the indictment. Your argument about no evidence is simply false. A group of 23 Texans in the Northern District issued a federal criminal indictment in the case. The legal standard involved is more likely than not--e.g. the preponderance of the evidence indicates guilt. He then admitted guilt which takes it beyond reasonable doubt to no doubt whatsoever. Simple possession of a defaced serial number plus the apparent select fire capability without a tax stamp are illegal in all 50 states. He also apparently had pot and cocaine in his possession. Thus mandatory minimums apply. Thus, a confession requires corroborating evidence--the evidence is the firearm and drugs. Case closed.

Nice speech. I was referring to the drugs and the allegations of sexual misconduct though.

He pled guilty to possession of a machine gun and it was found in his possession. That's a slam dunk conviction no matter what. He had it.

Why would I ever try to argue that he was somehow innocent of possessing the full auto M-14??!

Not much of a conspiracy theory there and it's probably why he pled guilty. It was found in his house and he's been showing it to people for 30 years. The only option he had was whether he was going to cost them a trial or not. Which is why all these other allegations don't make much sense. The government had all the evidence for a conviction of NFA violations, that's in the bag.

If they have drugs and evidence that he was sexually inappropriate with his daughter they typically charge defendants with those offenses as well and then bargain from an even stronger position.

Feds are even more notorious for over-charging defendants.

 

[cheygriz]

I'm extremely thankful that 240-some years ago, a group of people in the 13 colonies did not agree with you.

Those people didn't have the opportunity to freely elect their government every four years. Do you honestly think there would have been an armed revolution if the people had the opportunity to kick the king out at the ballot box???

 

[Sistema1927]

My Dad finished up his 21 year Army career with a tour in Vietnam, and was awarded the Silver Star. He will turn 86 next month.

But, if he was to pull this stunt I would say to him: "Just what in the H-E-double hockey sticks were you thinking?"

 

[Odd Job]

I think we have the measure of this one, given the facts available.