The prosecution of Gordan Van Gilder for possession of an antique flintlock pistol was a travesty from the start. This was compounded when Cumberland County (NJ) Sheriff Robert Austino tried to smear the retired school teacher by saying he was arrested in a "known drug area" while trying to buy drugs.
Fortunately, this afternoon Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae showed some sense and used her prosecutorial discretion to dismiss the case.
I don't think we would have seen this happen without the pressure brought to bear based upon the peculiar circumstances of this case. It was ridiculous from the start and the Prosecutor's Office knew it. They were the ones left to clean up the mess left by New Jersey law enforcement.
Now it is time as some New Jersey legislators have suggested to clean up the law. While I would love to see the entire law scrapped, I know that isn't going to happen. At best, the definition of a firearm will be brought in line with that of the Federal law and pre-1898 firearms will be excluded.
I am glad this ended well. The good thing is that, now, maybe we will see some changes to the draconian NJ laws.
ReplyDeleteThough, in all honesty, one really should not drive around in cars with weapons in the glovebox, then volunteer the information. That is simply asking for trouble. Especially in NJ.
Whole thing could have been avoided if he transported the pistol all legal-like in the trunk, and kept his mouth shut.
Or he could move to a free country where individual rights are respected....like America was before Democrats took over.
DeleteThe entire law WILL be scrapped as soon as it reaches the SCOTUS.
ReplyDelete