Sixty-five-year-old Lawrence Michael DeStefano’s freedom ended abruptly Wednesday, as jail officers took him from a jail cell within the Free State of Florida to the hellhole of Rikers Island in New York.
DeStefano, who had by no means dedicated any crime in his residence state of Florida, may now spend the remainder of his life behind bars in a New York State jail.
For those who’re one of many 50,000 New Yorkers who purchased Polymer 80 pistol kits from DeStefano and his agency Indie Weapons through the years, relaxation simple. He promised he won’t ever reveal your title. You might be 100% protected. He’s keen to surrender all of his rights and private freedoms and spend the remainder of his life as an inmate with a view to safeguard your freedom. The Second Modification actually implies that a lot to him.
If you would like somebody in charge, look no additional than New York State Lawyer Basic Leticia James. She is the only purpose why DeStefano is going through 521 years behind bars. The greater than 5 centuries of potential jail time he faces are on par with James’ loopy and overzealous course.
You’ll recall that James first tried to get DeStefano to show over his New York buyer record by way of a civil go well with, which he ignored. 9 different companies that offered pistol kits complied with James’ calls for, and their homeowners stay free. DeStefano ignored the lawsuit that James gained, in fact, however her prolonged press launch by no means mentions that her opponent by no means confirmed up. It does, in fact, point out the $7.8 million default judgement in opposition to DeStefano and his agency, Indie Weapons.
DeStefano received little assist from Florida officers. After New York Gov. Kathy Hochul despatched a letter to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, charging DeStefano with 71 New York state crimes, DeSantis despatched a letter final month to all Florida sheriffs and peace officers, commanding them to arrest DeStefano, who was already in custody.
DeStefano by no means broke any Florida legal guidelines, it must be identified. Unserialized pistol kits are completely authorized within the Sunshine State. I’ve assembled a number of myself.
What’s crystal clear is that DeStefano won’t ever obtain a good trial in New York, particularly with James overseeing their ultimate authorized bout. Almost every little thing he provided his prospects is against the law in that horrible state, however DeStefano actually didn’t care about New York legal guidelines. He was ruled solely by the Second Modification, which sadly doesn’t exist below James and her cronies.
True heroism has, for me, at all times been considerably tough to outline. Nonetheless, anybody who forgoes their proper to stay free so 50,000 New Yorkers have the power to guard themselves and their households inside their houses actually qualifies.
That’s what Letitia James and her ilk won’t ever perceive. DeStefano by no means received wealthy promoting gun elements. He estimated he earned round $200,000 per yr, which isn’t lots given all that he needed to be careful for. He offered his elements kits to anybody who wished one so they may really feel protected.
That, mates, is actually heroic. He will definitely be missed.
This story is offered by the Second Modification Basis’s Investigative Journalism Challenge and wouldn’t be doable with out you. Please click on right here to make a tax-deductible donation to help extra pro-gun tales like this.
About Lee Williams
Lee Williams, who’s often known as “The Gun Author,” is the chief editor of the Second Modification Basis’s Investigative Journalism Challenge. Till not too long ago, he was additionally an editor for a every day newspaper in Florida. Earlier than changing into an editor, Lee was an investigative reporter at newspapers in three states and a U.S. Territory. Earlier than changing into a journalist, he labored as a police officer. Earlier than changing into a cop, Lee served within the Military. He’s earned greater than a dozen nationwide journalism awards as a reporter, and three medals of valor as a cop. Lee is an avid tactical shooter.
