Local man charged with leaving gun in restroom

Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre PA) ^ | 7/17/2010 | Edward Lewis

[Born Conservative]

PLAINS TWP. – A Hazleton man was charged with leaving a loaded firearm in a men’s room at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs casino.

State police gaming enforcement unit charged Anthony Mope, 80, of Thirwell Street, with recklessly endangering another person. The charge was filed with District Judge Diana Malast in Plains Township on Thursday and mailed to Mope.

Mope could not be reached for comment on Friday.

According to the criminal complaint:

A casino employee cleaning restrooms found the firearm on the back of a toilet at about 3:40 p.m. on July 3.

State police said the firearm, a .45-caliber, had a full magazine with a round in its chamber.

The firearm was traced by its serial number to Mope. It wasn’t reported stolen.

A trooper obtained a picture of Mope, who was located near the casino’s food court at about 5 p.m.

Mope said he used the men’s room and removed the firearm from its holster. He placed the firearm on the back of a toilet, and forgot it when he left the restroom, the criminal complaint says.

State police said a review of players club information revealed Mope playing slot machines in the area of the restroom. He was recorded by surveillance cameras entering the men’s room at 2:31 p.m. and exiting three minutes later.

Surveillance cameras recorded 28 people entering the men’s room from 2:34 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. when a casino employee found it, the criminal complaint says.

State police said in the criminal complaint that the firearm was available to anyone who found it, including a person not permitted to possess a firearm.

Mope told state police he was unaware that firearms are prohibited in casinos.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Aug. 17 before Malast.

[ExGeeEye]

Good thing it was captured when it was. It was only a matter of time before it would have jumped up and started shooting people.

[smokingfrog]

The firearm was traced by its serial number to Mope.

I didn't know they could do that, but apparently they can.

Do I have to register my firearms in Pennsylvania?

[Oztrich Boy]

years ago I remember reading a story (posted here) about a Police Chief who did the same thing.

Police Chief, FBI, Homeland Security.. they all dood it.

[Nateman]

It looks like the set up for an assassination. Since it was taped back there they should have found a fake gun , with a locator, and put it there instead.

[School of Rational Thought]

28 people could’ve found it but didn’t. That is surprising, although it is not known how big the facility is.

[PowderMonkey]

"Is alcohol usually involved?"

Sometimes all it takes is a penchant for chili dogs and diet Pepsi. Our local Chief had a really bad habit of ditching her duty belt and gear every time she came to the local Stop N Rob for her daily Chili dog and diet Pepsi. I'd watch her vault from the vehicle, toss everything behind her onto the front seat, and proceed inside. "I'm off duty!" Predictably, one day she marched in, and blundered into an armed robbery in progress. Guess who's car they used for the getaway vehicle.

[Red in Blue PA]

This is why I always put mine down inside my pants whenever I go to the bathroom. No way of forgetting it.

[El Gato]

Plain clothers police do this all the time. They don't have to carry in such a way as to ensure reliable concealment either. Generally shoulder holsters, or inside the waistband holsters. IWB and other concealment type holsters are more of a bother when "doing ones business".

It's a chickenshit charge.

[Still Thinking]

He was a trained law enforcement officer so it was OK.

Just losing the guns members of the public won't lose.

[Still Thinking]

This is why I always put mine down inside my pants whenever I go to the bathroom. No way of forgetting it.

Is that a gun in your pants or are you just happy to see me?

[JimRed]

...charged...with recklessly endangering another person.

That darned gun could’a been just wating to shoot somebody!

[Rebelbase]

"It was the Moors, not mopes!"

[Red in Blue PA]

ROTFLOL!

[Fido969]

This is my pistol, this is my gun...

[Born Conservative]

Seriously?

[Dr. Ursus]

Yes,he’s retired and his son has the plumbing business.He
lives one street over and goes to my mother’s church.

[EGPWS]

Local man charged with leaving gun in restroom

Why?

He didn't pull the trigger.

What is it that this gentleman has abused via the second amendment because of this situation?

[EGPWS]

It's a chickenshit charge.

IMO, via the 2nd it makes it much more than that!

These people in charge are suppose to be working for us as citizens and the 2nd is there to help make sure it stays that way!!! (PERIOD)!!!!!

vent off El.

[Richard Kimball]

They even got video of it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGxaQc-cC5M