More Agents Testify in the Reese Trial (NM ATF)

lunatpp.org ^ | 27 July, 2012 | Luna Tea Party Patriots

[marktwain]

ATF Special Agent Byrd is assigned to the US Consulate in Juarez, Mexico. S/A Byrd explained the processes involved in matching guns recovered in Mexico to guns sold/purchased in the United States. He explained how out of some 50-75 weapons recovered per year, only about 10% have had their serial numbers scratched off. He testified that so far, 5 guns originally purchased at New Deal have turned up in Mexico, the most recent one in October 2011, several months after the Reeses were arrested.

(Note: Cartel organizer Jose Roman and his wife have admitted they illegally smuggled these weapons out of the country. They purchased the guns legally at New Deal, however, did not go thru the process the governments of the US & Mexico require to export the weapons.)

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Luna County Sheriff Officer Allen Bass testified he has dealt with the Reese family for years. He explained how there are forms that need to be filed with the local sheriff (or other police agency) office when multiple handguns are purchased. He stated either he drives by and picks them up from Terri Reese, or she would drop them off at the sheriff’s office in batches, usually about once every other week, sometimes more often. He related Terri Reese asked him to stop buy and pick up a batch of forms with persons who purchased more than 2 handguns on one trip. On August 30, 2010 he stopped by the same day to pick them up and at that time Terri pointed to one form and told him, “You need to look at this one”. Officer Bass stated Terri told him, “You need to investigate.” Terri provided him with further information. Terri did not mention Jose Roman.

Officer Bass obtained additional information from her and then called DHS- HSI (Homeland Security Invest.)

When asked why he called HSI, Bass stated that HSI has jurisdiction over weapons that area exported

Bass also explained to the Jury that the Luna County Sheriff’s Office can apply to have a percentage of the Reese property and assets seized paid to the LCSO during an asset forfeiture proceeding.

Bass agreed that Terri’s report to him is what started the whole investigation against them. He has been in New Deal many times and believes New Deal to be thorough in completing 4473 forms and he has also purchased weapons there. He described the store as a busy store with a lot of law enforcement and civilian clientele. He stated that Terri has filled out hundreds of the multiple hand guns reports.

He testified he felt Terri fully cooperated with him when he questioned her about Penny Torres.

[marktwain]

Asset forfeiture is an disgrace to American law.

[cicero2k]

OK, I counted 12 postings on this today.

How many more should we expect?

[marktwain]

I just found this source today, so I am bringing it up to date.