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According to a federal complaint, Seretse Clouden, a felon, attempted to board a flight at Newark Liberty International Airport with an AR-15 rifle, handguns, a Taser, and a fake U.S. Marshal’s badge. Clouden was charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and fraudulent possession of an identification document and authentication feature of the U.S. TSA agents discovered two .40 calibre Glock magazines, each containing fifteen rounds of .40 calibre ammunition during routine screening of Clouden’s checked luggage. A further search of the luggage revealed a ballistic vest carrier displaying the words “Deputy Marshal.” The U.S. Marshals Service confirmed that the agency had never employed Clouden.
After learning of what was in his luggage, agents responded to the gate of Clouden’s flight. He told officers he did not have law enforcement credentials or firearms ID cards. His luggage was removed from the aircraft, and officers discovered an AR-15 rifle, a .40 calibre handgun, a Taser, a spring-loaded knife, an expandable baton, and a .308 calibre rifle in his bags. Additionally, officers found “United States Marshal” credentials with his name and picture displayed on them and a badge. In 2016, Clouden pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a weapon.
A convicted felon’s unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge for fraudulent possession of an identification document can carry a maximum sentence of 15 years, a fine or both.
According to TSA, over 800 firearms have been intercepted at airport checkpoints this year. TSA spokesperson R. Carter Langston stated it’s “absolutely unacceptable for firearms to be anywhere near checkpoints.” The TSA set a record in 2022 by intercepting more than 6,500 firearms at airport checkpoints in the U.S. The firearms were discovered in 262 airports, with 88% being loaded.
»Clouden is charged with unlawful possession of firearms«
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