Christie Pardons Mass. Marine Who Was Arrested On Gun Possession Charges

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Wednesday pardoned a 26-year-old Marine who was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun that he legally owned in Massachusetts.

Christie pardoned Sgt. Joshua Velez, making him the latest out-of-state resident charged with violating the strict New Jersey carry laws to have their records cleared by the Republican presidential hopeful.

Velez was visiting his brother in North Bergen in September when he was stopped for failing to use a turn signal.

A police officer discovered Velez's unloaded 9mm handgun in the locked glove compartment of his truck. Ammunition was found stored separately in the vehicle.

Christie's office said the gun was legally purchased, and the Marine recruiter is licensed to carry it in Massachusetts.

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