Death Toll Confirmed at 91 After Monstrous Oklahoma Tornado…233+ Injured…Many Children Among Dead…Some Drowned…Heartbreaking Pictures…Reporter Struggles to Share Terrible News

Listen Live: Glenn Beck Broadcasts From Impact Zone in Oklahoma

Crime

New York Army Vet Facing 7 Years in Prison Over Empty Ammo Magazines

Feb. 23, 2013 3:21pm Madeleine Morgenstern

New York Army Veteran Facing 7 Years in Prison Over Empty Ammo Magazines

Army veteran Nate Haddad is facing seven years in prison for possessing several empty ammunition magazines. (Image source: WGRZ-TV)

An Army veteran in New York is facing up to seven years in prison for possessing five empty 30-round ammunition magazines.

Nate Haddad told WGRZ-TV he was parked on a road last month waiting to meet someone interested in buying them off him when police approached. According to the station, the magazines were for an AR-15 rifle, the same type of weapon Haddad once carried in combat. Magazines over 10 rounds have been illegal in New York since 1994, unless they were manufactured before the law went into effect. Haddad says he thought his were legal, until he found out otherwise.

“I certainly did not think I was committing a felony crime by having these,” Haddad told WGRZ. “My understanding of what I had in my possession was that it was manufactured before 1994, but the arresting officers told me otherwise after I showed them the magazines that I had in my possession.”

Haddad — who retired from 12 years of active duty in 2010 after sustaining a shoulder injury — now faces five counts of criminal weapons possession, punishable by up to seven years in prison. An online fund for his defense started by his brother has raised more than $40,000.

He was offered a deal this week to plead guilty to five misdemeanor counts and avoid jail time, but declined — citing, for one, how it would impact his job at Fort Drum, where he still works as a civilian employee.

There’s another reason too: “Even if I took that deal I would still be branded as a criminal, and I don’t think I should be,” Haddad said.

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 (459)

The_Fifth_Column
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 5:13pm
First and foremost, the State of New York, or any other State can not create a law that contradicts the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. PERIOD. This man, or any other person illegally arrested or detained for practicing their Rights granted by the Constitution, are Political Prisoners being unlawfully held by a Rogue Regime. No State has the power to alter or change the Constitution without a Constitutional Convention ratification. The US Supreme Court has upheld the Second Amendment many times. The Police Officer that made this arrest, needs to be arrested by Federal Marshals, and held for trial. Those that declare this a law, need to be arrested and tried by the people likewise. The States, and the Federal Government, are out of control, and need to be reigned in. Long past time!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Excomunicatedmarine
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 5:22pm
  Tick Tock Tick Tock closer and closer it comes. Walk softly in the woods but carry. It is only a matter of time now, the socialist becoming fascists.
  
  Report this comment
IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 5:12pm
How many went to jail in “Fast and Furious” incident?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Coyote6
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 5:09pm
who do we write to to give them crap for this dishonest and unjust prosecution of our veterans?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Glock29
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 6:01pm
  http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/home/contact_information.shtml
  
  http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.bd08ee7c7c1ffec87c4b36d501c789a0/index.jsp?doc_name=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyc.gov%2Fhtml%2Fmail%2Fhtml%2Fmayor.html
  
  http://www.nysenate.gov/senators
  
  http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/
  
  Report this comment
RaydocX
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 5:06pm
He could have legally sold machetes and chain saws… Propane tanks, a semi rig, any number of potentially lethal implements that could kill without needing other tools… These few ounce collections of aluminum, steel, and plastic are inert… They cannot do damage without a firearm. The law is ridiculous, unless police are prepared to stop citizens with ballpoint pens or staplers, since the Left think those are equalizers to bad guys with an assault weapon.

Any American who is able hould leave that state forthwith. Let duomo and hs cronies deal with the riminals who won’t listen to the even reasonable laws.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- The_Fifth_Column
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 5:19pm
  Your point is that it is a law. It’s not a law! New York can not make a law like this. Therefore, he is being held as a Political Prisoner.
  
  Report this comment
- wilbstal
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 5:26pm
  Most of the NY criminals work for Cuomo thats why
  
  Report this comment
wilbstal
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 5:02pm
STATS>> no state has more cops and troopers than the smallest state MIlitia. each state has a stronger Militia so if I were states I would tread lightly. Ny has a italian mafia man as Governor and he is a Communist at the same time. This should say alot about the voter block in USA

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
wilbstal
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:58pm
The days of voting and petitions are gone Communist liberals and dirty Union Cops are dead set on taking power. This will mean once they have complete control Murders, rapes, beatings, trumped up charges and threats will be the daily occurances in New York. This is how it starts by losing your Guns and rights HY wake up. You already see this from Cuomo, the legislature and Unionized Cops and troopers all on the same sheet of paper. I can see this even from another state wake up NY

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Magyar
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:56pm
This is EXACTLY what they’ll repeatedly do to scare ALL gun owners– make us flinch…. Like I’ve said– They’ll only get my LEGAL gun over my dead body.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Excomunicatedmarine
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:54pm
Sounds like a sting to me………don’t sell anything to people you don’t know. I would like to help him take this one to the SCOTUS. There is no way this can be constitutional and we need to prove it and put those @ holes in NY where they belong.

These rules keep pushing nudge nudge nudge……..as upstanding patriots, how much can we take ? I for one have found I fight best when put in a corner, so keep on pushing. Oath Keepers ? Yeah Right, we’ll see, but don’t count on it ?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
randy1bella2
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:48pm
If you cannot stand it, then move. Yes, leave with all you have–forget about the “the four seasons”–there are bigger things at stake. Move to a swing state if possible to help strengthen Congress. I know that libs are telling college students, if they have the option, to choose a swing state as their home state, so that they can tip the balance the lib way. Swing states need help–Florida a good choice. You should not all go to Texas et al (love them very much though) if you can help it–we need voters elsewhere; but above all, if you do not need to be there, leave clearly blue states and help elsewhere if there are jobs for you.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
wilbstal
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:48pm
freedom of information act can get the names of the dirty Cops involved in this crooked trumped up charge, they have to give them names out so America knows what we have operating in NY State

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
wilbstal
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:45pm
I had heard the New York Militias have been activated and are working to defend the rights af new yorkers who get mis treatment from Communist Cops and politicians in NY. And all other State Militia’s are quietlly gathering for defence of the nation and their states. They strike quickly and fast then disapear, just like the Viet Cong operated. Sorry NY you voted in this Communist regime either knowingly or not you have them in your midst.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
gz22ll
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:35pm
I would like to see the number of criminals arrested for other crimes who had possession of similar types of magazines and if they were charged just like Nate Haddad. These and other laws are passed with the intent of harassing and intimidating otherwise law abiding citizens.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:33pm
.
Let this man go Free. And so it starts the disarming of America……

I am afraid we are headed to an Armed Insurection in the streets to take our country back…..

REVOLUTION 2013 Freedom is not Free and I will be No Mans Slave….

And yes if it comes down to it I will fight for my Freedom as well as yours.

We need to have a March on Washington to show “We Will Not Go Quitely”. But I am afraid their are not enough of us left to save this country from the Free Lunch Slaves…..

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Magyar
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 5:48pm
  Count me in …..
  
  Report this comment
Carlinpa
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:30pm
Felony:”an offense, as murder or burglary, of graver character than those called misdemeanors, especially those commonly punished in the U.S. by imprisonment for more than a year. ”
Carry EMPTY magazines… really? Is NY that whacked?
Plus RE”He was offered a deal this week to plead guilty to five misdemeanor counts and avoid jail time” These slimy DA’s just want convictions like it’s collecting stamps, trophies or something. They care not for the honor of this patriot!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:30pm
Where is the aclu? ?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Excomunicatedmarine
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:57pm
  Promoting the killing of babies.
  
  Report this comment
- Excomunicatedmarine
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:59pm
  Taking Prayer out of school.
  
  Report this comment
- Excomunicatedmarine
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 5:26pm
  Trying to force us to hire criminals.
  
  Report this comment
angryamerican33
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:26pm
no one is bound to obey an unconstitutional law and no courts are bound to obey it.
16 AM Jur 2d ,Sec177…our law!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
brovet
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:22pm
Everyone who has the means should flee New York. They are actively making law abiding citizens, criminals through their insane gun laws. The only way you can change the insane behavior of the state is to leave and take your tax money with you.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Slowman101
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:20pm
@BIGZIP: Do us a favor and ZIP IT!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
denkat56
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:18pm
And so it begins, did they prosecute the MSNBC newscaster for his rifle magazine.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
scrubbos
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:15pm
He should have said his name was David Gregory.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
1in11-twist
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:11pm
Moral of this story…Don’t live in POS New York!!!

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
cdn1979
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:10pm
the law is what it is. the guy broke it. quite simple. don’t like it. petition your public officials to change it. just because you don’t like it, does not mean you dont have to follow it.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- wilbstal
  Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:51pm
  CDn communist in new york will get killed anyway they asked for it, like it or not paper laws dont work against free folks Guns do
  
  Report this comment
showmerancher
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:07pm
Yes, of course. Give illegal aliens invading this country and costing us billions of dollars citizenship. Give a combat veteran with empty magazines seven years in prison. Typical Liberal logic.

Almost thirty defenseless Americans are gunned down every day by criminals. Liberals response? Immediately make more laws to restrict guns from law-abiding citizens so that they can become even more helpless/defenseless when faced with armed criminals (unless you count scissors and pens, of course).

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
FASTCOMPANY
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:06pm
“Nate Haddad told WGRZ-TV he was parked on a road last month waiting to meet someone interested in buying them off him when police approached.” Sounds like he was set-up to me.

C’mon LEO’s things are going to get worse on this issue of gun control and you had better make better decisions than this.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Mathchopper
Posted on February 23, 2013 at 4:05pm
New York is no problem for me. Don’t plan to go there unless ordered by my CW2 commander.

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.