The attorney for a Long Island man arrested on weapons charges says his client is a collector and not a threat to the community.
Anthony Piromalli was released on $1,000 bail after pleading not guilty Friday to three misdemeanor weapons charges and one felony weapons count. Police arrested him Thursday after obtaining a search warrant for his Babylon home.
Suffolk County police say they seized 33 switchblades, eight handguns, three rifles, a shotgun and ammunition.
Lawyer Mitchell Hirsch says his client has been a collector of watches, antique knives and other items.
He estimated the value of the seized weapons, some of which he said were in their original packaging, at $20,000.
“He doesn’t use them,” the lawyer says. “He creates displays.”
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.