KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The U.S. Attorney's Office announced that a former Marine Corps private first class from Kingston has pled guilty to gun trafficking charges. Rylan Peterson, 22, confessed that he conspired with others to unlawfully acquire firearms from a licensed dealer by making false statements, later transferring the guns to someone out of state.
Peterson admitted that he was paid as part of an agreement to obtain six handguns on behalf of Oryin McLeod, of Kingston, and others while serving in the Marines at a military base in North Carolina. According to the USAO, Peterson obtained the firearms from Mitchell Locke, of North Carolina, who bought them from a licensed dealer in North Carolina, falsely representing he was buying the firearms for himself.
Peterson then reportedly transported the guns to New York from North Carolina. He was arrested for unlawful possession of two of the firearms.
Peterson now faces up to 25 years in prison, a post-release term of supervision of 5 years and a fine of up to $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for July 10.
