New Mexico's mayor announced an investigation into an anti-gun organization for possible illegal gun purchases through a so-called “gun buyback” program.
San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari announced the investigation into the group New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence about two weeks ago on what appears to be a former campaign page for his run for sheriff, “Shane Ferrari for Sheriff.”
Ferrari, who made headlines earlier this year after shooting a dog during a traffic stop, posted the ad on December 17.
“Before this comes out in the media and is twisted one way or another, I want to inform you that I am investigating complaints from San Juan County citizens regarding the New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence gun buyback program that is not in compliance with New Mexico state law.” 7-30-7.1 “Unlawful Sale of a Firearm Without a Background Check,” he wrote.
“Reviewing the law, I don't see where they are exempt from having to undergo a background check and being required to love anyone else,” he explained. “A sale is made (gift cards worth $100 or more), advertised as a purchase and called a ‘repurchase.’”
Ferrari explained that the law allows for so-called “buyback programs” run by law enforcement agencies, but New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence does not appear to be affiliated with or working with any of these agencies.
After an initial review, Ferrari concluded that the group appeared to have violated state gun laws and may not have destroyed weapons in accordance with federal guidelines as well.
“I reached out to New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence and asked them questions,” he wrote. “They referred me to Attorney General Torrez. Both the San Juan County District Attorney’s Office and the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office are reviewing my evaluation.
The city of Farmington was apparently planning a similar event, but canceled it after citizens questioned its legality, he wrote.
“I have been informed that the New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence campaign came to town this weekend and obtained firearms,” Ferrari wrote. “I currently do not have details on how this event occurred. I am also aware of photos shared by New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence that deploy firearms [may not] It was properly destroyed in accordance with federal law and obtained in San Juan County.
He also noted that he does not believe “buyback” programs reduce crime.
“Most of the guns purchased are junk, but the numbers look good on paper,” he wrote. “I don't like having my tax dollars used to buy someone's junk or unwanted property. You could have ruined yourself if you didn't really want to.” Taxpayers [sic] “You shouldn't have to pay for it.”
“Again, I am awaiting the opinion of the Attorney General and Attorney General on whether New Mexicans will prevent gun violence.” [sic] Ferrari reiterated that the gun buyback program operates legally and if law enforcement is involved follow proper disposition of abandoned/unclaimed property. “I will tell you.”
However, nothing further has appeared on the page regarding the investigation since December 17.
According to the Santa Fe New Mexico newspaper, the New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence Initiative helped lobby for the law he is now accused of violating.
However, Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth told The New Mexico that the intent of the law was to “never require background checks when someone seeks to destroy their gun,” the newspaper reported.
“Ultimately, it will be up to the courts to review the specific facts and statutory language on the assumption that there is a challenge to the law,” Wirth said in a statement reported by The New Mexico.
This article originally appeared in The Western Journal.
