A South Florida resident has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for the unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and accessories after authorities uncovered a manifesto threatening Congressman Jared Moskowitz and Jewish schools. According to a report by The Miami Herald, John Lapinski, a 42-year-old from Margate in Broward County, received a 300-month prison sentence from Judge Rodney Smith, followed by eight years of supervised release.
Lapinski faced several charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm under a court order, possession of a bulletproof vest by a violent felon, and possession of an unregistered silencer. The investigation commenced on October 31 when Margate police responded to a reported shooting on Northwest 9th Court. Although no one was injured, officers linked the incident to Lapinski, who lived nearby.
A search warrant led to the discovery of the weapons cache and a manifesto containing antisemitic rhetoric and a "blacklist" that included Moskowitz, Jewish temples, and schools, as reported by the Herald. The case has caused significant alarm in South Florida, particularly within the Jewish community, revealing a potential plot against an elected official and sensitive city locations. Federal authorities emphasized that the sentence underscores the seriousness of such threats and the danger posed by the illegal proliferation of weapons by individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Earlier this year, a routine traffic stop in Key West, Monroe County, led to the discovery of a dangerous arsenal and a potentially lethal plan. Vincent Vega, a 39-year-old former firefighter with the Key West Fire Department, was apprehended after being caught speeding while in possession of an illegally modified AR-15 rifle. What began as a simple traffic violation escalated into the revelation of a homemade bomb and a significant cache of weapons and explosives.
During the stop, officers spotted a loaded AR-15 with a shortened barrel of just 7.5 inches (19 cm), an item regulated by the National Firearms Act, which requires registration and a tax stamp for legal possession.
Key Details on South Florida Weapons Case
What charges did John Lapinski face?
John Lapinski faced charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm while under a court order, possession of a bulletproof vest by a violent felon, and possession of an unregistered silencer.
How did the investigation into Lapinski begin?
The investigation started when Margate police responded to a reported shooting incident on Northwest 9th Court on October 31, linking the event to Lapinski.
Who is Vincent Vega and what was he found with?
Vincent Vega, a former firefighter from the Key West Fire Department, was arrested with a modified AR-15 rifle, a homemade bomb, and a significant cache of weapons and explosives during a traffic stop.