WATCH: Live Coverage of Massive Tornado Damage Near Oklahoma City…Kids Reportedly Trapped at School…Homes Demolished…Triage Units Being Set Up…2nd Funnel on the Ground

Live BlazeCast at 2pm ET: The curious John Kerry Picture — plus your comments

Government

Oops: Santa Fe Releases Names of Gun Buyback Participants After They Were Promised Anonymity

Feb. 21, 2013 6:55pm Madeleine Morgenstern

KRQE-TV

What was promised to be an anonymous gun buyback in New Mexico was anything but for dozens of people who surrendered their firearms to police and then saw their names and addresses entered into the public record.

Santa Fe police offered $100, $150, and $200 prepaid Visa gift cards for residents who wanted to turn in their rifles, shotguns, and handguns, KRQE-TV reported.

But organizers ran out of gift cards, and offered IOUs to people who still wanted to turn over their guns. They took down contact info — names, addresses, and phone numbers — that was meant to be used only to pay people back. In total, 49 people took IOUs at a buyback in January, and 43 took them at another one in February.

“With that IOU we’ll take down your name and contact information so that we could get them the money that the city owed them,” Santa Fe City Attorney Geno Zamora told the station.

The police department had budgeted $20,000 for the buybacks, but after running out of gift cards went to the city to request $33,000 for the next event in March. In doing so, it provided the city information on the buyback program, including the list of 92 people it owed money: their addresses, phone numbers, and the weapons the city bought from each one.

The information was put into a packet for the city council and, just like that, became public record.

“It shouldn’t have happened, but it did,” Santa Fe Police Chief Raymond Rael told KRQE. “I apologize on behalf of the city, I don’t think that information should’ve been out there.”

New Mexico state Rep. Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe.) was one person whose name was released.

Records show he sold the city three firearms in January. He said he wasn’t concerned about his name being released as much as about how it could affect future participation.

“My concern is for those who do wish to remain anonymous, that there be a way for them to do so and for them to be able to rely on the city’s assertion that they’ll remain anonymous,” Egolf told KRQE.

Zamora said the city is still trying to determine who is responsible for putting the information out. In the meantime, Rael said the department won’t be offering IOUs at the next buyback March 9.

“We’re going to offer nothing but the Visa cards, and once we’re out of them, we’re done,” he said.

Featured image screen grab.

Benghazi, IRS, AP...What's next? Only TheBlaze TV offers the truth from Glenn Beck, Andrew Wilkow, and Real News from TheBlaze. Get instant access and a free trial here.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (112)

barber2
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:35pm
Anonymity , like patriotism, is a thing of the past in America. 1984 has arrived. A bit late. Big Brother Obama and his Merry Band of Radicals now rule .

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- barber2
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:50pm
  The only thing which is able to be kept secret toady ? Obama’s school records . That should tell you all you need to know .
  
  Report this comment
- Wolfgang the Gray
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:59pm
  “We are never defeated unless we give up on God.” – Ronald Reagan
  
  Report this comment
- civilwarcometh
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 9:10pm
  Expose the EVIL… http://www.granddeception.com/#sthash.TkjxwXiu.dpbs
  
  Report this comment
- spirited
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 9:12pm
  Don’t forget Fast and Furious and Benghazi (for starters)
  
  Report this comment
- Raging_Waters
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 10:25pm
  I suggest Conservatives nationwide start more gun buy-back programs to save the liberals from themselves.
  
  Report this comment
- NewMedia
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 10:33pm
  Very true, no such animal exists anymore.
  
  Report this comment
- banjarmon
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:25am
  Crooks know who to rob now!!!
  
  Report this comment
- SUNTZU
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:54am
  I know guns,No brag
  But I see only two maybe three on that table
  I would give 100$ for
  And I would have to see them work first
  
  Report this comment
- vpeva1
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 7:43am
  Those on the list will now have to rebuy guns
  
  Report this comment
- jcldwl
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 8:16am
  @ Barber
  Ditto that.
  
  Report this comment
- Derek01
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 8:44am
  Ha Ha Ha, Fools. Believing the government. Screwed again and now defenseless.
  
  Report this comment
- IndyGuy
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 9:30am
  Posting folks names and addresses that sell their defense mechanisms to the Gov should be mandatory so the rest of us know who the idiots are……
  
  Report this comment
- battles
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 10:32am
  Robert Novak, “Love your country but never trust your government”.
  
  Report this comment
- G-WHIZ
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 11:06am
  How many fake SS#’s and drivers licences and passports and everything else does KING O’He have???
  
  Report this comment
- WarMunger_Al
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:41pm
  of course, most on the list of people turning in $400+ guns for $150 gift cards are gun thieves and criminals. At the very least criminally stupid.
  
  Report this comment
- turkey13
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 6:15pm
  We are having a gun show here in S. Oklahoma Sat. & Sunday and several of the gun dealers are offering $100 to $700. on guns that are unwanted in the local news paper.They promise all guns will be sold after a back ground check and none will be sent to Mexico as they were in “Fast and Furious.”
  
  Report this comment
- dlanod
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 11:59am
  Add your comments
  
  Report this comment
- dlanod
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 12:01pm
  marixs marixs are what they are most democrats fall in to this label
  
  Report this comment
- bdsconserv
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 1:18pm
  where’s the question ‘who is paying for these gift cards?” oh yeah,duh,stupid question: the taxpayers ,of course. and now the taxpayers will get stuck with the bill for defense lawyers when the city gets whacked with law suits over this. every single time the government gets involved with something it has no business in, it becomes a boondoggle. when will the sheeple realize this?
  
  Report this comment
- smv803
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 2:17pm
  This is what happens when you put your trust in man! What the heck is wrong with these people? Are they the ones who voted for the jack in DC?
  This should be the order of things:
  1. God
  2. Others
  3. Yourself
  
  Are we clear?
  
  Report this comment
- Colorado7972
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 10:45pm
  Idiots give up there guns in first place, they deserve the Karma that came back at them. These Liberals want a revolution/civil war, well by God, they about to get what they asked for.
  
  Report this comment
- G-WHIZ
  Posted on February 24, 2013 at 10:00am
  In O’Berrie’s -BIG-BROTHER nothing is an “OOPS!”.
  
  Report this comment
Blitz
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:30pm
“Participating in a gun buyback because you believe that the criminals have too many guns is like having yourself castrated because you believe that the neighbors have too many kids.”

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Blitz
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:34pm
  http://www.survivalblog.com/
  
  Report this comment
- toomuchgovt
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:40pm
  Now that is funny.
  
  Report this comment
- MDECKER
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:42pm
  and now your neighbor is able to practice with your wife.
  
  Report this comment
- gary kilmer
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 7:11am
  what did you expect?
  
  Report this comment
- RDavis49
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 10:17am
  Damn….. that is about as accurate an analagy as I’ve heard lately to compare and expose the ignorance of those who participate in these liberal, socialist/communist democrat party gun confiscation programs.
  
  Report this comment
- outrider
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 11:37am
  Castration. Nuts. Gun-control nuts. Castrating gun-control nuts…. Great idea! Sure-fire (no pun intended) way to reduce the number of children who will ever be exposed to gun violence at school.
  
  Report this comment
harryset
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:27pm
1. The check’s in the mail.
2. This is for my personal use, I won’t show anyone.
3. I promise not to (never mind)
4. Your information is safe with us.

And the Mexican Government is asking for a list of US registered gun owners. All at a time when it seems like anyone with a third grade education can hack any secure site the US has.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
sparkyrules
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:19pm
After a hard days work,this story made me laugh my ass off! Thanks Blaze!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Carefreeflyer
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:18pm
The Santa Fe city government is corrupt. Sue them. Big time.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
judyaz
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:16pm
I hope the city, that “is still trying to determine who is responsible for putting the information out,” will release it when they know. It’s only fair. And fairness is important, don’t they say? Equity.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
craftkal
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:07pm
New Mexico D Rep.Brian Egolf/Attorney.. (worth a search- google) Sold 3 firearms in gun buy back ?? really.Oh the love of gift cards.I for one would love a back ck on those guns.This buy back could be the best Gov. broom.So much sweeping

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- SUNTZU
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 3:02am
  They were gifts from the
  cartels to look the other way.
  
  Report this comment
Magyar
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:02pm
…And was a buy back, folks— Think it’ll be ‘accidently’ any different if there’s a national registry????!!!

NEVER agree to register your firearm and certainly NEVER agree to give it up!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
wilbstal
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:53pm
what kind of American would trade in their road to freedom for a few dollars?? This is uneleiveable my guns go to another family when i die so they can keep on defending freedoms. I made sure no left winger will ever get them

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Witness1974
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:46pm
Hmm! We learn heap long time ago don’t make deal with whiteman.

The feds cheat on their promises more than gypsies playing Scrabble with a blind woman.

“Get into bed with government and you’re going to get screwed every time.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Listen_then_think
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:46pm
New Mexico, democrat state, nuff said.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- wilbstal
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:56pm
  NM is a holding bin for illegal Mexicans and Muslim terrorist that sneak accross the borders. Obama planed all this so he can place them in each state as needed to pollute the voter block
  
  Report this comment
dublinthewagons
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:39pm
How many fast and furious guns will be used in Santa Fe? Who cares

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:26pm
.
Oops my A$$…….

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
chips1
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:25pm
I live in the country and the police just chased shooters from Wall Mart, 11 miles away, into our farms. Caught one three farms away and the other is around here. I’m ready and so is my wife.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- civilwarcometh
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:38pm
  Stay safe CHIPS…
  
  Report this comment
- Magyar
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:18pm
  Hey @chips— my money…no, no,–my chips are on YOU! Go get’m!
  
  Report this comment
DefyTYRANNY
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:20pm
These people violated rule #1.

Never trust the Gubmint.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
chips1
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:19pm
After 36 years, don’t tell government anything. Nothing!!!!!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Magyar
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 8:21pm
  You’re right—exactly why “Facebook” and the like are forbidden in this house!
  
  The idiots who put their personal information out there are STUPID!
  
  Report this comment
Seymour
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:10pm
Hey Progs, another snarkle fark? What’s new….next

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Thighmaster
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:10pm
You can trust the government, ask any Indian…

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- taintso
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 6:56am
  Or look at what happened to the welfare city of Detroit.
  
  Report this comment
progressiveslayer
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:09pm
How many guns were stolen? The police are essentially the fence in these transactions using taxpayer money to buy guns that may be stolen. Government screws up everything it touches and you’re a fool for surrendering any weapon to anyone.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- civilwarcometh
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:20pm
  This who and what this country is fighting against.. Great video’s. Some of us aren’t going to go quietly.. http://www.wnd.com/2013/02/angry-citizens-rebuke-gun-control-lawmakers/
  
  Report this comment
- 700P
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:32pm
  Someone should scrub the list for convicted felons and DV ineligibles who were not legally possessing firearms under current law. More proof that bans don’t stop criminals, just law abiding citizens and turning the rest of us into criminals/enemies of the state.
  
  Report this comment
PAUL GULLO
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:07pm
I traded a $15 bag of weed for a sawed off shotgun when I was a kid. These guys are psyched to get a $100. For a gun . Just imagine the crack they can buy. What a f—-n joke.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- DefyTYRANNY
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:18pm
  Ok…. and you posted this on the internet why?
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc333
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:21pm
  You must buy awful weed
  
  Report this comment
- PAUL GULLO
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 4:28am
  Hey defytyranny .
  I posted that because its the truth, and I was trying to give people perspective of how messed up the people who turn in these guns are. And that the guns that they are turning in are mostly illegal pass around wannabe gangster guns. When I bought that gun I was in 7th grade. Oh no more truth.
  The truth will set you free.
  
  Report this comment
Outlaw_Josey_Wales
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:05pm
Criminals now have a list of people who don’t own guns………….Funny!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- dublinthewagons
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:38pm
  Turnabout is fare play. You can true the gubmint with a secret and your life. Lol
  92 people may have to give back the money & then some. That’s what happens when you are that stupid. I have no sympathy for them.
  
  Report this comment
- Christiaan
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 12:52pm
  The news paper who print the info and the Police should be held accountable if anyone is hurt or killed
  
  Report this comment
FireWall0400
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:01pm
Wow does anyone see an issue with the fact that New Mexico state Rep. Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe.) was one person whose name was released, sold three guns back to the city.

Trying to inflate the numbers of guns that are being returned under these programs.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
jcldwl
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:01pm
Only idiots would voluntarily surrender their gun.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
TotallyNotATroll
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:00pm
It’s only real bad when Joaquim sees his brother Emanuel on the list and puts two and two together with his missing pistol.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- DougHuffman
  Posted on February 21, 2013 at 7:21pm
  Joaquim Bejindyo’s brother, Jose Canuci, is honored by the gringo anthem’s first lines “Oh, say can you see …” Joaquim Bejindyo is outstanding in his field.
  
  Report this comment
Tri-ox
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 6:58pm
Just one of the many reason why you shouldn’t sell your weapons to the government – and why taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to fund these stupid programs.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.