A Pittsburgh resident has been locked up for his part in a scheme to smuggle guns out of the country.
Derby Clerfe, 44, of Pittsburgh, was sentenced to one year of probation and a $2,500 fine in federal court on his conviction of conspiring to violate export laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman handed down the punishment, which is a slap on the wrist for such a serious crime.
According to information presented to the Court, Clerfe purchased nine handguns and provided them to another individual who would arrange for their export to Haiti without filing the export information required by federal law.
This is just the latest case of gun trafficking making its way to the headlines, and it’s clear that those involved are willing to take huge risks to get away with it.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Bengel prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, but some are questioning whether the punishment fits the crime.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement’s New York Field Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Clerfe.
The case serves as a reminder that those who think they can skirt the law and get away with it will be caught and held accountable.
Only time will tell if this sentence sends a strong enough message to those involved in this type of activity.
In the meantime, the people of Pittsburgh can rest a little easier knowing that Clerfe won’t be causing any more harm.
But for how long?
The question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for this convicted smuggler?
Will he turn his life around, or will he continue down a path of destruction?
Only time will tell.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Exporting Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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