Gun Show Firearm Retailer Help Police Nab Felon Attempting to Buy Firearms

It's a common refrain from the gun ban lobby that gun shows are a great resource for criminals to purchase guns. But this story from the Richmond Times Dispatch tells a different story:

According to a summary of evidence, Reaves, who now lives in Richmond, tried to persuade numerous federally licensed firearms dealers to sell him a gun privately and without a background check at the Showmasters gun show July 7 at the Richmond Raceway Complex.

The dealers refused and alerted state trooper D.M. Sottile, who eventually identified Reaves and arrested him after determining he had a felony record.

The prosecutor, Robert C. Cerullo, pointed out how licensed retailers play a key role in stopping illegal purchases by felons, especially staw purchases. Cerullo, a former police officer, also had a little to say about the claim that private sellers account for a lot of sales at gun shows:

Cerullo said it’s difficult to say what percentage of gun show transactions are private because they aren’t tracked.

“I’ve heard the argument from Mayors Against Illegal Guns, but how does anyone say whether they are numerous or not if we don’t track it?” Cerullo said. “They say it happens all the time. Maybe. But then maybe not.”

Virginia Beach Councilman Wants Permit to Sell Firearms

The Pilot Online reported Saturday that Virginia Beach Councilman Bill DeSteph has applied to the city for a permit to sell firearms out of a Great Neck home he will be moving into this summer. According to the Pilot, DeSteph is a gun collector and he now wants to expand his hobby into a business.

One neighbor the Pilot spoke with said he is not in favor of the idea, but, at least said he would want it know the complete details before taking a "strong stand."

Alice Mountjoy, a local anti-rights activist with the Virginia Center for Public Safety, injected her little talking point into the story when asked about it. It was clear that DeSteph's intention is to run a business - which means he is required to apply for a Federal Firearms License. Mounjoy said in reference to DeSteph applying for an FFL:

It's a good thing. A lot of people are selling from their private collections without any license all. He'll have to do background checks. The thing I'd be concerned about if I was a neighbor is who is coming to buy these guns.

Mountjoy knows full well that anyone doing business must have an FFL. People just selling a firearm from time to time from their private collection is not in business. And, DeSteph plans to have a specialized clientele.

Here's hoping Councilman DeSteph is successful in obtaining his permit from the city.

Hat tip to NRANews