Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse: Atlantic City Case
Date: 2024-09-10 Author: Robert Beloved Categories: CASINO
In the United States, different states have different laws on how adults who leave children unattended can be punished. In some places, this can result in a lifetime ban from casinos if the reason for leaving a child unattended was gambling. In addition, such actions can result in fines and even jail time.
Baby Found Unattended at Bally's in Atlantic City
A recent incident in Atlantic City, New Jersey left a man facing charges of child endangerment and violating gun laws. The defendant is a 33-year-old North Carolina man identified only by the initials J.S., who was visiting Atlantic City with his wife.
The incident occurred on August 30, when a cleaning lady at Bally’s Atlantic City entered the room to change towels and found the baby sleeping in a crib, unattended. This prompted an immediate call to hotel security and the police.
Four police officers arrived at the scene and soon found the baby’s parents. However, when they arrested the 33-year-old man, he was found to be in possession of a handgun with extended-action ammunition. The man and his wife were then arrested on a charge of second-degree endangerment of a child. In addition, the man also faced charges related to illegal possession of a weapon.
Unfamiliarity with New Jersey gun laws
The defendant’s attorney, Nicholas Moscella Jr., claimed that the gun was legally purchased in North Carolina. He provided documentation and the gun’s serial number to prove that it was legal in the man’s home state. However, New Jersey has different gun laws that impose mandatory minimum prison terms.
Moscella Jr. said his client will seek what is known as the "Graves waiver," an exception that would allow him to avoid mandatory penalties for violating gun laws.
New Jersey Child Protective Services has also joined the investigation. It is known that the mother and child have already returned to North Carolina. However, the man will have to return to New Jersey for a court hearing scheduled for October 21.
Judge Joseph Levine confirmed during a recent hearing that the defendant was likely unaware of the differences in laws between North Carolina and New Jersey. At the time of his arrest, the man had no criminal record, which could work in his favor at trial.
