Four gun shop owners and five of their employees have been accused of illegally selling assault weapons to civilians.
The nine men were arrested following a 10-month investigation that authorities said found the gun dealers modified assault rifles to bring them in compliance with New York State law. The dealers then allegedly instructed undercover officers posing as customers how to change them back into full-fledged assault weapons.
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“Make no mistake, these are combat-specific weapons and not intended for hunting,” Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said. “They have no place on our streets or in the hands of civilians.”
Investigators seized 78 weapons in the sting. All the defendants have pleaded not guilty and were released without bail.
Those charged include Martin Tretola, 55, of Bellmore, the owner of T&T Tactical in New Hyde Park and T&T Gunnery in Seaford, who Rice said continued to sell illegal assault rifles after being told customers of his were arrested with weapons he sold them.
Also arrested was his 24-year-old son, Thomas, three other T&T employees, and the owners of Gun Traders, LTD in Uniondale, South Shore Sportsman in Merrick and Hunter Sports in Massapequa. The owner of Hunter Sports was also allegedly aware customers of his had been arrested for illegal guns in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, Rice said.
If convicted, each of those arrested faces up to seven years in prison. Each business faces up to a $10,000 fine per felony or double the company’s gain from the criminal conduct.
Under state law, only police officers, peace officers, and authorized military personnel are legally permitted to possess assault weapons.
With Associated Press.
