The only man arrested in one of the largest illegal gun seizures in the province has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
Forty-four-year-old Scott Waterman initially faced 140 charges after a search of homes in Torbay, Flatrock and Pouch Cove more than three years ago.
The raid turned up about a hundred guns of all shapes, sizes and firepower, but also 3D printers used to make some of them.
(RNC displays just some of the weapons seized as part of “massive” firearms trafficking investigation. February 17, 2022)
Waterman first denied his role but a year later pleaded guilty in a deal that saw 140 charges whittled down to just seven linked to the possession, manufacturing and trafficking of illegal weapons.
Waterman was convicted 11 years ago of trying to import four stun guns and a can of pepper spray into Canada. At the time, he said they were just novelty items from a Florida flea market, but admitted trying to ship them home was “wrong” and “stupid.”
He was given a conditional sentence, with a 10-year ban on possessing any firearms.
But of key concern for Judge James Walsh was the printing and selling of 3D guns which he noted have no serial numbers and can’t be traced.
He also had stern words for the Superintendent of Prisons in the province, Dan Chafe, for referring to Waterman in court documents by his prison nickname, “The Gun Guy,” while still presumed innocent.
Walsh said Chafe “should know better,” calling his behavior “inexcusable, inappropriate and highly disrespectful,” noting Waterman has yet to receive an apology from Chafe or Justice officials.
In the end, the judge endorsed a joint submission for a seven-year sentence, minus eight months’ credit for time already served.
