Smyrna gun dealer opts out of trial--will still fight

A Georgia gun dealer decided Monday not to go ahead to trial in a lawsuit that accuses him of selling guns that ended in the hands of criminals in New York City. Jay Wallace of Adventure Outdoors in Smyrna made the reversal just before opening arguments were to be heard in a New York City courtroom. Instead of a trial verdict, the judge overseeing the case will enter a decision--that could be challenged in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Authorities say 21 illegal guns used in crimes in New York between 1996 and 2000 were traced to the Smyrna gun dealer. It was one of 27 out-of-state gun shops sued by the city two years ago. Most either settled, went out of business, or had cases dropped.

Gun store owner's trial begins

Jury selection begins this week for a federal suit against a Georgia gun dealer. Jay Wallace, owner of Adventure Outdoors in Smyrna, faces charges in New York City. The city says Wallace sold guns that were later sold on city streets. Wallace, however, is counter-suing the city for libel to the tune of $400 million.

NYC still fighting Georgia lawsuit

New York City's lawyers have asked a federal judge in Georgia to reconsider allowing a Georgia gun shop to sue Mayor Michael Bloomberg for defamation. Last May Bloomberg accused gun stores around the country -- including Adventure Outdoors in Smyrna – of allowing illegal gun purchases. Bloomberg is suing those stores because their guns were used in New York City crimes. The federal judge has given the go-ahead to Adventure Outdoors to sue Bloomberg. New York City's motion says public officials' speech about public issues should be immune from lawsuits.

Suit vs. gun shops still in play

A federal judge will allow a lawsuit against some gun dealers in Georgia and around the country to move forward.

A U-S District Court judge in Brooklyn rejected motions brought by some of the dealers, and says there is evidence the dealers are responsible for guns making their way into the hands of criminals in New York City.

The suit brought by New York City last year includes five dealers in Georgia. According to court records, three of the shops--in Savannah, Hephzibah and Augusta--have reached settlements. Stores in Doraville and Smyrna remain defendants in the suit.

The Smyrna-store, Adventure Outdoors, was cited by the judge to be the source of guns in a number of federal prosecutions for illegal purchases, and crimes committed.

That store has filed a 400-million dollar libel suit against New York City. The suit is still pending.