By The Iowa Statesman
A 72-year-old retired school teacher in New Jersey is now facing 10 years in prison for felony possession of a firearm. At his age, 10 years in prison — in New Jersey — would be the equivalent of a life sentence.
According to NRA News, Gordon Van Gilder was stopped for a routine traffic violation, and when asked by the county sheriff’s deputy who pulled him over, he consented to a search of his vehicle. Van Gilder, when asked if he had any items the officer should be concern about, told the deputy about the unloaded gun that was in his glove box. He was eventually sent on his way.
The next morning, however, several officers responded to his home, and arrested him for possession of the firearm. The 300-year-old flintlock pistol.
Van Gilder is a history buff and collects 18th century memorabilia. He had just picked up the firearm, which he had wrapped in a cloth to take home, when he was pulled over.
New Jersey has the most ridiculous anti-gun laws in the country. Possession of any firearm — even a slingshot — is a felony in the Garden State. As a result, Van Gilder’s pension — which he spent 34 years building up — is now in jeopardy.
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