Man Selling Switch Blades, Stun Guns at Cross Fork Snake Hunt Sentenced

COUDERSPORT – An Altoona man who was charged with dealing in prohibitive offensive weapons at last year’s Cross Fork Snake Hunt, has been sentenced in Potter County court.

Joseph Ronald Gallagher, age 69, was sentenced last Wednesday to 36 months of probation, 20 hours of community service, and fined $250 after pleading guilty in October to one charge of Make Repairs/Sell/Etc. Offensive Prohibitive Weapons. He was also ordered to pay a $25 monthly supervision fee, and a $20 monthly administration free during the duration of his probation.

Police were originally called to the snake hunt after a DCNR Ranger witnessed a vendor selling switchblades and stun guns. Upon arrival, police seized 6 switchblades, 2 stun guns and 3 sets of brass knuckles.

Police said Gallagher did not possess any type of special license to sell those types of weapons in Pennsylvania.

The case was prosecuted by Potter County District Attorney Andy Watson. Gallagher was represented by Daniel F. Glassmire, Esq.