Waretown, NJ, Man Admits Having Unlawful Rifle, Creating Fake IDs
A Waretown man has pleaded guilty in court to having an extensive rifle and phony federal agency badges in his possession.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced on Wednesday that Jeffrey Backlund, 57, pleaded guilty in Trenton federal court to unlawfully possessing firearms that were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record and unlawful possession of an official badge or identification card.
His scheming came to an end on September 6, 2020, as police were following up on an investigation stemming from a domestic disturbance and executed a search warrant at Backlund's home.
Upon doing so, law enforcement came across multiple firearms -- including a short-barreled, AR-style, .223 caliber rifle with no serial number or branding -- and imitation federal identification badges including two bi-fold wallets with FBI Special Agent credentials on them and Backlund's picture on both.
Backlund also was found to be in possession of imitation badges falsely representing the U.S. Marshals Service, A.T.F., and the DEA.
The rifle had a tan metal cylindrical device attached to it -- a silencer -- Attorney Sellinger said.
Attorney Sellinger said that Backlund had failed to register the rifle and silencer in the National Firearms Register and Transfer Record pursuant to the National Firearms Act.
For possessing firearms that were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, Backlund faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.
For the charge of unlawful possession of an official badge or identification card, Backlund faces a maximum prison sentence of six months and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Here are New Jersey's Most Wanted Criminals
More From WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM
