PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK - Donald J. Shappy, Jr., age 57, of Keeseville, NY, and Jonathon P. Shappy, age 27, of Schuyler Falls, NY, were arraigned today on an indictment alleging that Donald Shappy made false statements during the purchase of a firearm, and that Jonathon Shappy aided and abetted the statements.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, Delano A. Reid, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Division, and New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico.
The Shappys were arrested yesterday. Donald Shappy was released pending a detention hearing on June 7, 2016, while Jonathon Shappy was detained pending his detention hearing on the same date.
The indictment alleges that on March 7, 2016, Donald Shappy falsely certified that he was the true purchaser of a Henry Repeating Arms.22 caliber rifle when he knew that he was purchasing the firearm for Jonathon, who had been denied the ability to purchase the same rifle two days earlier. Jonathan Shappy is charged with aiding and abetting the false statements.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the ATF and the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
