Lynn man pleads not guilty to illegally selling firearm

LYNN – A judge ordered $25,000 cash bail for a city man who federal investigators said was videotaped selling a stolen gun to a confidential informant.Christian Oquendo, 25, of 43 Neptune St., pleaded not guilty last Wednesday in Lynn District Court to illegally selling a firearm; possession of ammunition without a firearms identification card; and receiving stolen property +$250.”(The confidential informant) stated that he/she had met Oquendo several months ago and since that time, Oquendo has informed the confidential informant that he, Oquendo, regularly obtains firearms up in the Lawrence area and sells them on the streets of Lynn,” Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent John L. Kelter wrote in a report. “The confidential informant stated that he/she believes the guns are being originally purchased in New Hampshire.”Special agents reported meeting with the informant in September and asking he/she to see if Oquendo had any guns for sale. Meanwhile, police learned Oquendo was on federal probation on a felony drug conviction out of Puerto Rico, making him ineligible to legally carry a firearm, according to the police report. Oquendo also did not have a state gun license, according to police.The informant and a friend arranged to buy a .38 caliber pistol from Oquendo on Oct. 3.Representatives of ATF, Lynn Police and state police watched as the informants, using an ATF vehicle equipped with video and audio surveillance, met Oquendo outside a Summer Street home.Oquendo got in the car and showed one of the informants a loaded Smith & Wesson model 60 .38-caliber pistol before taking $400 in exchange for the gun, according to police.The informant told police Oquendo said he also was selling a shotgun and gave the informant a phone number to call and arrange the sale.Police reported the exchange was recorded on video and audio, and officers seized the gun and ammunition. Police also said the gun had been reported stolen.Essex Assistant District Attorney Mark Byron requested Oquendo be held on $25,000 cash bail at his arraignment.Judge Cathleen Campbell noted the strength of the Commonwealth’s case in setting the requested bail. Oquendo is scheduled to return to court May 28.