“Federal” Express
By Wyatt Earp | May 8, 2009
For a day off, today was a pretty darned good day.
It started with a trip downtown to the federal building. There, I met with an Assistant U.S. Attorney and an agent from the local FBI office. They were interested in one of my previous VUFA (Violation of the Uniform Firearms Act) cases. Apparently, the toad we arrested happened to be a brandishing a gun while he was a convicted felon.
See, that’s a no-no.
We met in the AUSA’s office and commenced introductions. This was my first time dealing with the feds, so I was a little nervous, and figured in my dress shirt and khakis, I was under dressed. To my delight, the AUSA was dressed similarly and the FBI agent was in a golf shirt and jeans. Immediately, I was glad I didn’t wear my suit.
Anyway, the AUSA wanted to take over the case and try him federally. He even asked my permission – which made me laugh a little – because he said a lot of Philly detectives resent it when the feds take over their jobs. I told him that I couldn’t care less about that or the court overtime, because putting a thug like this behind bars for some real time was much more important. In Philly, this guy would have received probation or something equally ludicrous. The feds expect him to serve between 7 and 20 years if convicted. Nice!
The meeting lasted about a half hour, and everyone left feeling good about the case. It’s a pretty strong one, and the AUSA thinks he can land a conviction. That’s good news. The better news is that I don’t think I made a stuttering ass out of myself in front of the major leaguers. Considering how I usually act when I’m nervous, I would say that’s a big win.
And who knows? If the case goes to trial, I’ll probably be called to testify. That means more overtime. Suh-weet!
Topics: The Job | 15 Comments »
[...] very intrigued by this post by Wyatt, about turning a criminal over to the feds for prosecution on guns charges (felon-in-possession), something we know that the City of Philadelphia often will not do: Anyway, [...]
You big fat poopy head!!!
He was really a good kid full of hope and change and now you advocate that he spend time behind bars!
We should give him a bailout and a free home with cable TV and a hot tub.
Best to nail ‘im with the biggest hammer. If that’s the feds, so be it.
go, W, go!
Way cool! I hope this case goes well and that the guy get a lot of quality time with his pal, Bubba.
Right on man, way to go! Hope the toad has fun in Federal- snicker- Prison.
I don’t have to say it, do I?
Yep- 7-20 works MUCH better than a slap on the wrist… :-0
I was not aware of this side of the of the Right to Bear Arms issue.
Makes one heck of a lot of sense. Does that mean once one is convicted of a crime he/she can then be put away for years if they repeat with a gun? How serious does the “crime” have to be?
Sorry, off topic and a bit sad but in the post above I initially spelt that ” … Right to Bare Arms” and then thought it must be a Bill put forward to protect the First Lady’s Rights!
Of dear …
haha, awesome! I’m hugely in favor of the second amendment, but equally enthusiastic that those who commit gun crimes need to be locked up for a long frakkin time…
Good for you!
Score one for the guys in the white hats!
@ Alan B:
A person who has been convicted of a felony, under Fed Law anything that can get you more than a year, is banned from possessing firearms. He can get five years for simple possession.
@ Wyatt:
Hooah! Score one for the good guys.
Dude I would BEG the Feds to take over EVERY ONE of those cases. We all know how Philly jus-dise works.
Kaveman – If you heard what this guy said to us, you’d pass out. Dumb as a box of rocks.
Bob – I agree. I am happy that they’re taking the case.
RT – As do I. Be nice to see him go away for a long, long time.
Dorkelina – Are the initials, P.Y.I.T.A.? Heh.
Old NFO – And that’s what he’d get in Philly.
Alan B – Convicted felons are not allowed to carry firearms. Especially unlicensed ones.
Bob – This guy should be put away for a long time. Rap sheet as big as Rosie O’Donnell’s stomach.
GroovyVic – Good for society.
Mrs. Crankipants – About time we scored a win.
Dennis – Absolutely correct.
Captain – Simple: It doesn’t.
Dennis – Thanks for the answer – just what I was looking for.
Wyatt
“If you heard what this guy said to us, you’d pass out. Dumb as a box of rocks.”
I have many boxes of rocks (studying for a degree in Earth Sciences) and they can tell a wonderful story of Earth’s history. Please don’t insult rocks again.
Thank you.