Second Linden Man Admits Trafficking Assault Weapons and Revolver

A Linden man pleaded guilty today to weapons charges for selling two assault rifles, an assault pistol, and a revolver to an undercover detective and an informant in a weapons-trafficking investigation by the New Jersey State Police. The announcement was made by New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa.

Andre Doss, 31, of Linden, pleaded guilty Thursday before Superior Court Judge Stuart L. Peim in Union County to second-degree counts of conspiracy, unlawful possession of two assault firearms, and unlawful possession of a revolver, as well as third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, among other charges.

Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Wells be sentenced to 10 years in prison, including five years of parole ineligibility. Doss is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15.

In pleading guilty, Doss admitted that in July and August 2011, he arranged and, with the help of co-defendant Duquan Wells, completed sales of an ITM Arms Co. semi-automatic rifle, a Tula Arsenal fully automatic rifle with large-capacity magazine, and a .22-caliber revolver. The guns were sold to an undercover detective of the New Jersey State Police. Doss also admitted that he sold a Cobray MAC-11 9mm assault pistol to an informant working with the State Police.

“By indiscriminately selling deadly assault weapons on the street, criminals like this defendant contribute to the many shootings and murders we see in our urban centers,” said Attorney General Chiesa. “We’ve stepped up our efforts to seize these guns and send gun traffickers to prison.”

“This man is one of 57 defendants we indicted last year in conjunction with the State Police on charges of trafficking and possessing illegal guns,” said director Stephen J. Taylor of the Division of Criminal Justice.

On Dec. 10, Doss’s co-defendant, Wells, 31, of Linden, pleaded guilty before Judge Peim to second-degree conspiracy and weapons charges. Wells admitted that he delivered the two assault rifles and the revolver to the purchaser after Doss arranged the sales. Under his plea agreement, the state will recommend that Wells be sentenced to five years in state prison, including three years of parole ineligibility.

This article appeared in print on page 4 of the January 4th, 2013 edition of Hamodia.