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Staten Island Man Sentenced to Prison for Having Billy Club

A New York City man has been sentenced to four years in prison for the possession of a billy club.

State Supreme Court Justice William Garnett had denied a motion to set aside Christian Tan's guilty verdict when he faced sentencing Thursday.

The Staten Island Advance reports the 27-year-old chose not to say anything before Garnett imposed the sentence.

Tan was arrested in 2016 after police found a billy club in his car when his veicle was pulled over at Willow Road East and Forest Avenue. Someone else was driving his car, and he was seated in the front passenger seat. Two others were sitting in the back. 

Police found a billy club on the front passenger-side floor. 

He was found guilty of criminal weapon possession two months ago. Prosecutors argued that the only reason a person possesses a billy club is to inflict bodily harm.

The judge at sentencing agreed, saying, "It was a weapon." 

Possessing a club is a misdemeanor, but the charge was elevated to a felony due to Tan having a prior conviction for assault.

Tan's attorney says they are appealing the sentence.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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