A New Mexico sheriff introduced an investigation into an anti-gun group for probably shopping for weapons illegally throughout a so-called “gun buyback” program
San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari introduced the investigation into the New Mexicans to Forestall Gun Violence group about two weeks in the past on what gave the impression to be a former marketing campaign web page for his candidacy for the sheriff’s workplace, “Shane Ferrari for Sheriff.”
Ferrari, who made headlines earlier this yr after he shot a dog throughout a site visitors cease, posted the announcement on Dec. 17.
“Before it comes out in the media and gets twisted one way or another, I want to inform you that I am investigating San Juan County citizens’ complaints on ‘New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence’ gun buyback program not complying with New Mexico State Law 30-7-7.1 ‘Unlawful sale of a firearm without a background check,’” he wrote.
“Reviewing the law I do not see where they are exempt from having to undergo a background check and are required to like anyone else,” he defined. “A sale is taking place (gift cards $100 and up), it is advertised as a purchase and called a ‘buy back.’”
Ferrari defined that the legislation allowed for so-called “buyback programs” run by legislation enforcement companies, however New Mexicans to Forestall Gun Violence didn’t seem like affiliated or working with any such companies.
After an preliminary evaluation, Ferrari concluded that it appeared the group had violated state gun laws and had maybe not destroyed the weapons in accordance with federal steering, both.
“I have reached out to ‘New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence’ with questions,” he wrote. “They have referred me to Attorney General Torrez. Both the San Juan County District Attorney’s Office and the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office are reviewing my assessment.”
The Metropolis of Farmington had apparently had the same occasion deliberate, however cancelled it after residents questioned its legality, he wrote.
“I have been informed ‘New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence’ came to town this weekend and obtained firearms,” Ferrari wrote. “I currently do not have details on how that event took place. I am also aware of photos shared by ‘New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence’ posting firearms that [may not] have been properly destroyed according to federal law and were obtained in San Juan County.”
He additionally famous that he didn’t consider that “buyback” applications lowered crime.
“Most guns purchased are junk, but the numbers look good on paper,” he wrote. “I don’t like my tax dollars being used to buy someone’s unwanted property or junk. You could have it destroyed yourself if you really don’t want it. Tax payers [sic] shouldn’t pay for it.”
“Again, I’m awaiting the District Attorney and the Attorney General’s opinion on whether ‘New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violences’ [sic] gun buyback program is operating lawfully and if law enforcement participation is following proper disposition of abandoned/ unclaimed property,” Ferrari reiterated. “I’ll let you know.”
Nonetheless, nothing additional has appeared on the web page concerning the investigation since Dec. 17.
In response to the Santa Fe New Mexican, New Mexicans to Forestall Gun Violence helped push for the legislation that it now stands accused of violating.
Senate Majority Chief Peter Wirth, nonetheless, informed the New Mexican that the legislation’s intent was “never to require background checks when someone seeks to destroy their own gun,” the outlet reported.
“Ultimately, it would be up to the courts to review the specific facts and statutory language assuming there is a challenge to the law,” Wirth mentioned in a press release cited by the New Mexican.
This text appeared initially on The Western Journal.
