Maines Yellow Flag Failure

Ardmore Resident Sentenced For Unlawful Dealing In Firearms Thursday, February 13, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Oklahoma MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that David Haskell Moore, age 69, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, was sentenced to five years of probation and 12 months of home detention for one count of Dealing Firearms Without a License. The charges arose from an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On May 9, 2024, Moore pleaded guilty to illegally dealing in firearms. According to investigators, on September 6, 2023, U.S. border agents at the Port of Entry in Donna, Texas, discovered 268 guns hidden behind the wall panel of a utility trailer attempting to gain entry into Mexico. ATF agents investigating the weapons cache traced 24 of the firearms to purchases originally made by Moore from legitimate dealers throughout Oklahoma and Texas. Moore then resold the firearms. At the time of the incident, Moore was not licensed to deal in firearms and had been served a cease-and-desist letter in 2018 by ATF agents warning him not to sell firearms without a Federal Firearms License. “ATF’s commitment to keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of those that shouldn’t have them knows no boundaries. As this case proves, Mr. Moore was knowingly dealing firearms without a license, many of which were eventually found in the hands of criminals throughout the United States. Together with our partners, we will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities from violent firearm crime,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “I commend the work of ATF agents, border patrol, and federal prosecutors in their efforts to reduce the unlawful trade of firearms,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States. Updated February 13, 2025

Individuals from Staten Island and Florida Charged with Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy and Illegal Possession of Machine Guns Friday, February 14, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of New York Defendants 3D-Printed More Than 25 Untraceable “Ghost Guns,” Including at Least 10 Machine Gun Conversion Devices Earlier today, a nine-count superseding indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Justin Nudelman, his brother Brandon Nudelman, Ronnie Mershon and Michael Daddea with conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to obstruct justice, possession of machine guns and related firearms counts. Three defendants were arrested this morning. Brandon Nudelman and Mershon are being arraigned this afternoon in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho, and Daddea is making his initial appearance in federal court in Tampa, Florida for removal proceedings to Brooklyn. Justin Nudelman had previously been charged with possession of machine guns and unregistered firearms in the underlying indictment and will be arraigned at a later date. John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges. “The defendants’ use of 3D printers to make untraceable, fully automatic weapons poses an extremely serious threat to public safety,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “My Office and our federal and local partners are working tirelessly to protect our communities by preventing these guns from making their way into the hands of violent criminals.” Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the United States Secret Service and the NYPD Intelligence Division’s Major Case Team and Intelligence Analytical Team for their work on the case. “Illegally manufacturing and distributing privately made firearms and machine gun conversion devices is a direct threat to public safety,” stated ATF New York Special Agent in Charge Miller. “This indictment underscores our unwavering commitment to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling the flow of illegal firearms that fuels violence in our communities. Through strong collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we are taking proactive action against those who endanger public safety. We commend the work of ATF New York, NYPD Ghost Gun Team, ATF Tampa, United States Secret Service, N.Y. State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Richmond County DA’s office and EDNY. Every illegal firearm taken off the streets is a step toward protecting innocent lives and ensuring safer neighborhoods. We remain steadfast in our mission to combat gun violence.” “These individuals thought they could evade law enforcement by using 3D printers to churn out illegal ghost guns and endanger our streets — but they were wrong” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The NYPD, along with the ATF, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and all our partners, will not tolerate criminals wreaking havoc in New York City with untraceable, deadly weapons — and we will bring down anyone brazen enough to try.” As alleged in the superseding indictment and in court filings, between approximately January 2023 and September 2023, the defendants conspired to illegally manufacture and traffic firearms. Mershon and Justin Nudelman used 3D printers and parts sourced from online retailers to assemble privately made firearms, commonly called “ghost guns.” These 3D-printed firearms included at least 10 devices called “auto sears,” which convert semi-automatic guns into fully automatic weapons and are considered machine guns under federal law. The defendants made firearms that did not have a serial number, unregistered ghost guns that they assembled available for sale without obtaining a license or otherwise notifying government authorities. To date, 23 firearms have already been seized, and the investigation has revealed that the defendants made numerous others. Justin Nudelman and Brandon Nudelman are also charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice. As alleged, on September 7, 2023, law enforcement officers sought to seize Justin Nudelman’s phone pursuant to a judicially authorized search warrant. Both Justin and Brandon Nudelman took steps to conceal the phone and render its contents inaccessible to law enforcement. The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. Trial Attorney Arun Bodapati is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist David Harrison. The Defendants: JUSTIN NUDELMAN Age: 30 Staten Island, New York BRANDON NUDELMAN Age: 32 Staten Island, New York RONNIE MERSHON Age: 27 Staten Island, New York MICHAEL DADDEA Age: 29 Tampa, Florida E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-437(S-1) (AMD) Contact John Marzulli Danielle Blustein Hass United States Attorney’s Office (718) 254-6323

Summers County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crimes Friday, February 14, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia BECKLEY, W.Va. – Matthew Harris England, 38, of Meadow Bridge, was sentenced today to one year and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered short-barreled shotgun. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 3, 2023, law enforcement responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at England’s residence in Meadow Bridge. When law enforcement entered the residence, they found and seized a Savage model Stevens 94F, 20-gauge shotgun with a modified and shortened barrel and a modified and shortened stock on a chair in the living room. England was arrested, and told officers he knew the firearm was in the residence and that the length of its barrel appeared to be illegal. The short-barreled shotgun was not registered to England in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by federal law. Federal law also prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. England knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for aiding and abetting the possession of stolen firearms in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on May 9, 2014. United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Summers County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-93. Updated February 14, 2025

Idaho Man A Convicted Felon Sentenced To 18 Months For Possessing A Firearm In Checked Luggage Friday, February 7, 2025 U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida Says FFL and Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma, “this felon should be in jail for a long, long, time. Throw away the key”! Brilliance is not his attributes . Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger sentenced Dedric Dwayne Rivers (52, Moscow, Idaho) to 18 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of a felony. Rivers pled guilty on October 22, 2024. According to court documents, on April 27, 2024, Rivers arrived at Jacksonville International Airport to board a flight traveling to Idaho. During a routine screening process of checked luggage Transportation Security Administration officers identified an undeclared firearm and ammunition located in a checked suitcase bearing Rivers’ name. Law enforcement cut the cables to the gun case inside the suitcase and found an undeclared FN509 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a magazine containing 10 rounds of live ammunition inserted into the magazine well. The gun case also contained three extended magazines loaded with 70 rounds of live ammunition distributed among the three magazines. In a voluntary interview, Rivers said he thought the gun case only contained ammunition. However, in a telephone conversation the next day, Rivers admitted to his mother that he had previously travelled with a firearm to Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to possessing the firearm, Rivers had had been convicted of multiple felonies, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. Therefore, he is prohibited by law from possessing firearms and ammunition. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Transportation Security Administration, the Jacksonville Airport Authority, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron. This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Updated February 7, 2025

Orlando Man Sentenced To One Year And Six Months In Federal Prison For Possessing A Machinegun Thursday, February 13, 2025 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Says FFL and Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma; please do not add this to your Glock firearm. The ATF and Federal Government are not messing around. It's illegal! Get caught with the "switch" you're breaking the law and you're going to prison simple as that. At 19 years old the young man is going to federal prison for 1 1/2 years. Now a convicted felon, this young man will never be able to own a firearm again. It's just not worth it! Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Jeremiah Cundiff (19, Orlando) to one year and six months in federal prison for possessing a machinegun. Cundiff pleaded guilty on October 31, 2024. According to court documents, on October 23, 2023, law enforcement apprehended Cundiff, who had an active warrant for his arrest. During the apprehension, Cundiff fled and made a stealthy movement. At the area of Cundiff’s movement, a loaded firearm with a machinegun conversion device installed (pictured below) was recovered. Cundiff’s DNA was found on the firearm. The type of machinegun conversion device in this case is commonly referred to as a “switch,” and is designed and intended, solely and exclusively, to convert a semiautomatic pistol into a machinegun, causing the pistol to fire more than one shot with the single pull of the trigger. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with valuable assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Judge Scuttles Maine’s 3-Day Waiting Period By Mark Chesnut U.S. District Court Judge Lance Walker has granted a preliminary injunction blocking Maine’s 72-hour waiting period law for firearm purchases, which was challenged by gun-rights advocates. The law, passed in 2024 after Gov. Janet Mills allowed it to become law without her signature, required firearm retailers to delay delivery for three days after an FBI NICS background check approval. “This decision affirms that unconstitutional delays on Second Amendment rights are not permissible,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. “Rights delayed are rights denied.” Judge Walker dismissed Attorney General Aaron Frey’s argument that the Second Amendment does not cover acquiring firearms, calling it “interpretative jui jitsu that would make Kafka blush.” Plaintiffs include a domestic-abuse survivor and firearm instructor who helps other survivors defend themselves and an FFL forced to delay sales to those facing immediate threats. NSSF supported the challenge, emphasizing that the law emerged after the Lewiston murders due to pressure from gun control groups, despite a state commission finding systemic failures, not gun laws, as the cause of the tragedy. “(The law) does not purport to be tethered to the time it takes to conduct a background check, or to any other investigatory efforts into whether someone is disqualified from exercising Second Amendment rights,” the lawsuit stated. “To the contrary, it forces law-abiding citizens to wait 72 hours to acquire a firearm even if they pass the requisite background check in a matter of minutes, which most people do.” Prior to the decision, Nacole Palmer, executive director of the Gun Safety Coalition of Maine, told pressherald.com that waiting periods are both constitutional and make a difference. “Seventy-two-hour waiting periods have been challenged in many states, and courts have consistently upheld them as constitutional in states across the nation,” Palmer told the news site. “They are, like all of the laws we support, a commonsense measure that saves lives while not impeding anyone’s (Second Amendment) rights.” Indeed, Palmer is mistaken. There is no historical precedent for waiting periods, which is a crucial element established in the Bruen ruling and essential for adjudicating Second Amendment cases. That’s the primary reason the judge, in this case, likely ruled as he did. As we have highlighted before, according to a fact sheet on waiting periods from the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), there is no evidence that waiting periods reduce suicides, homicides or mass shootings. In fact, no studies identifying causal effects have been recognized by any of the independent literature reviews conducted since 2004. “Waiting periods are arbitrary impositions with no effect on crime or suicide, introduce no additional investigative avenues and only burden law-abiding gun owners without changing how or when criminals obtain firearms,” the fact sheet states. Last year, the bill passed the state legislature by the narrowest margins. The House vote was 73-70. In the Senate, the bill passed 18-17, but only after Democrats used a rarely employed procedural move to count the votes of two absent senators. Some anticipated that Gov. Mills would veto the bill, while others believed she would sign it into law. Instead, she did neither—an avoidance that permitted the measure to become law without her signature.

Are You Relying on a Handgun In Your Nightstand for Home Defense? Let’s Take A Look Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales When it comes to home defense, most people think of a nightstand gun – a loaded pistol sitting within arm’s reach, ready for action if an intruder dares to step inside. It’s a solid plan, no doubt, but is it not enough? A simple handgun might be a good first step, but why stop there when you could have a fully equipped, battle-ready defense system that would make any home invader wish they’d picked another house? • Your Pistol Caliber is Weak—Let’s Be Real Before we even get into the setup, let’s address the elephant in the room: pistols are weak compared to shotguns. If you truly want to stop a threat, a shotgun is the way to go. A 12-gauge pump-action loaded with double-aught buck is a good go too. It surly will put an end to the problem a lot quicker than a 9mm or .45 ACP. The sheer power and spread of a shotgun in close quarters makes it the ultimate home defense weapon. The sound of racking a shotgun is enough to make most intruders reconsider their life choices. If that doesn’t work, the payload of pellets traveling at deadly speeds will certainly finish the job. So, while a handgun is a useful tool, it should always be backed up by something stronger. • A Nightstand Gun? How About a Full Combat Loadout? Having a loaded pistol next to your bed is fine, but it’s not enough. Think about it – what if there’s more than one intruder? What if they’re armed? What if your pistol jams or runs out of ammo? Instead of relying solely on a single handgun, why not have a dedicated home defense rig that you can strap on in seconds? The answer? A duty belt. • Why a Duty Belt is the Ultimate Home Defense Setup A military-style duty belt isn’t just for soldiers and cops – it’s an efficient way to carry everything you need in a worst-case scenario. Unlike a nightstand gun, which is just one tool, a duty belt allows you to carry multiple layers of defense. I sell duty belts for a reason. It’s a belt load up with everything necessary to defend your home. The beauty of this setup is you don’t need to be fully dressed to use it. If something goes bump in the night, you can throw the belt on over whatever you’re wearing, and you’re instantly battle-ready. • What to Keep on Your Belt for Maximum Defense A good home defense duty belt should have: • Your sidearm, securely holstered for a quick draw • Spare magazines, because a single mag might not be enough • A flashlight or headlamp, to identify threats in the dark • A fixed-blade knife, in case things get up close and personal • Shotgun shells • Handcuffs, restraints, or zip ties, just in case you need to detain an intruder until police arrive With a well-equipped duty belt, you’re no longer relying on a single weapon – you have an entire system ready to go. • Light Up the Darkness Another critical mistake people make in home defense is not having a light source. You can’t defend yourself if you can’t see the threat, and accidentally shooting the wrong person is a nightmare scenario. Some people mount lights directly onto their firearms, but a headlamp is an even better option. A 150-lumen LED headlamp which I sell is more than enough to illuminate your surroundings while keeping your hands free for shooting, reloading, or fighting. If something goes down, strap on your belt, throw on your headlamp, and you’re ready to defend you or your family. • Shotgun First, Pistol Second If you have to engage a threat in your home, you want to end it quickly. A shotgun delivers devastating power at close range, but there’s always the possibility of needing a follow-up weapon. That’s why having a pistol as a backup is crucial. If your shotgun fails, runs dry, or you find yourself in a situation where a smaller, faster weapon is needed, your sidearm is right there on your belt, ready to go. This is why the shotgun + duty belt + sidearm combination is such a game-changer in home defense. • The Power of Preparedness Criminals prey on weakness and hesitation. The more prepared you are, the less attractive your home becomes as a target. A burglar looking for an easy payday is expecting to encounter an unarmed, panicked homeowner – not someone fully geared up like a soldier ready to defend their home and family. A simple nightstand gun is better than nothing, but let’s be honest – it’s not a complete solution. If you want real home defense, you need a layered, well-thought-out system that allows you to fight back efficiently, reload quickly, and handle multiple threats if necessary. • A System That Works for Any Situation One of the biggest advantages of having a home defense duty belt is its versatility. Unlike a simple nightstand gun, which is only useful in a single, static scenario, a fully equipped belt allows you to adapt to any situation. Maybe the power is out, and you need to move around your home while staying prepared. Maybe you need to defend your family while leading them to a safer position. A duty belt keeps everything in one place, allowing you to stay mobile and ready for anything. A home defense setup should be a comprehensive system that gives you every possible advantage in a fight. Having spare ammo, a flashlight, a knife, and even basic medical gear means you’re not just armed – you’re prepared. The more tools you have at your disposal, the better your odds of making it through a bad situation unharmed. • The Home Defense Mentality A duty belt isn’t just about having gear – it’s about being mentally prepared. In a home invasion scenario, seconds count. You don’t have time to fumble around in the dark, searching for your gun. You need to be able to wake up, gear up, and be ready to fight back instantly. A shotgun for power, a pistol for backup, and a duty belt to carry everything you need—this is the real home defense criminals fear. So, ask yourself: Are you really prepared? Or are you just hoping your nightstand gun will be enough? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms- Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith- AED Defibrillator Sales

Gun Rights Group Urges Blue State Lawmakers To Reject Proposed “Assault Weapons” Ban Story by Mike Jenkins The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) is calling on Rhode Island lawmakers to reject a newly introduced bill that seeks to ban so-called “assault weapons” in the state. The legislation, H-5436, targets nearly all semi-automatic rifles capable of accepting detachable magazines, with limited exceptions for .22-caliber rimfire rifles with tubular magazines. Gottlieb specifically criticized Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, who has publicly supported the bill. In a prepared statement, Neronha argued that there is “no need” for private citizens to own certain types of firearms. “When Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha declares there is ‘no need’ for a private citizen to own a certain type of firearm,” Gottlieb remarked, “one has to wonder who put him in charge of determining someone else’s ‘need.’ Besides, the Second Amendment is not about anyone’s ‘needs,’ it’s about rights. It is actually the cornerstone of the Bill of Rights.” The CCRKBA is urging Rhode Island gun owners and grassroots activists to oppose H-5436 by contacting their local representatives and demanding a “No” vote. “We’re encouraging Rhode Island gun owners and grassroots activists to vigorously oppose H-5436,” Gottlieb said. “They should immediately contact their local representatives and ask for a ‘No’ vote, and send a message to the General Assembly that banning whole classes of firearms is not the way to reduce violent crime or tragedy resulting from negligence.”

Bill restricting ammunition sales passes committee Bill restricting ammunition sales passes committee© Provided by Washington Examiner (The Center Square) – Legislation further restricting firearm ammunitions sales in Colorado successfully passed committee Thursday. House Bill 25-1133, “Requirements for Sale of Firearms Ammunition,” was referred by the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee to the House for a vote following a lengthy debate by witnesses for both sides. “It was five bullets that took my sister Mary's life in the lobby of Sandy Hook,” said Jane Dougherty. “It's time for Colorado, with a sad track record of mass shootings, to meaningfully regulate ammunition.” The bill would also change restrictions on shipping ammunition to the state. It would require a person shipping ammunition to give written notice to the ammunition deliverer that the package contains ammunition. In addition, delivery drivers delivering ammunition would be required to verify that the person receiving the delivery is 21 or older and obtain written acknowledgment of receipt from the recipient. Failure to do so could result in a class 1 misdemeanor for the driver. “This will help ensure ammunition stays out of the hands of people who should not have access,” said Democrat Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, one of the bill’s sponsors. “Today, it is far too easy for our minors and others prohibited from owning firearms to evade minimal restrictions in place on these websites and stockpile ammunition.”