Local police learn about federal gun lawBy Ryan Myers
Midland - Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney's office directed a seminar Tuesday, instructing local prosecutors and law enforcement officials on federal gun laws and the option of federal prosecution for some gun law violators.
"I don't know if there is anything more dangerous than an ex-con running around with a gun. Many times that is a capitol murder waiting for a place to happen," U.S. Attorney John Sutton said in explaining the importance of effectively prosecuting violation of federal gun laws.
Tuesday's seminar addressed how law enforcement officials can evaluate the prudence of seeking federal prosecution of criminal cases and also how to collect evidence and prepare a case for prosecution by U.S. prosecutors.
"Law enforcement is really all about team partnership. We don't want to take your cases; we want to be part of your case," explained ATF resident agent in charge Felix Garcia.
Anyone convicted of a felony is prohibited for life under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
"It is virtually impossible in federal law to get convicted of a gun violation and not go to prison, said Assistant U.S. Attorney John Klassen, explaining the potential benefit of federally prosecuting felons whose crimes include unlawful firearm possession.
"So if you've got somebody and this person needs to go to prison," Klassen said. "If the jury convicts them (in federal court) they're going."
"A lot of times the federal avenue is the best way to go, but not always," Klassen said. "Sometimes it makes a heck of a lot more sense, and they'll spend more times behind bars, to prosecute them under state law."
Midland County District Attorney Al Schorre said his office works effectively with the U.S. Attorney's office in evaluating federal prosecution options for cases in his district.
"Although we have been working with them in the past on a lot of these, this class let's us know the full range of federal offenses we can call them for," Schoree said. "And after the seminar, we will probably make more referrals over to them for gun charges."
http://www.mywesttexas.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14657984&BRD=2288&PAG=461&dept_id=475621&rfi=6*FW Note:Make no mistake, this is not about prosecuting criminals, nor is it about protecting the public. It is a tactical discussion about how to take guns away from Americans.
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