by Jennifer Saltman, Special to the Langley Advance
A Langley man whom police dubbed “the Dr. Frankenstein of weapons” has pleaded guilty to a slew of firearms-related charges.
Bradley Michael Friesen, 38, appeared in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster on Monday morning.
Wearing a red jail uniform and with his right arm in a sling, Friesen answered a number of questions from the judge, acknowledging that he understood the implications of entering the pleas.
A pre-sentence report was ordered and a sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a future appearance.
Friesen admitted to:
– Three charges of manufacturing or transferring a firearm;
– Three charges of illegally possessing a weapon/device/ammunition for transfer;
– Three charges of importing or exporting a firearm or component knowing it is unauthorized;
– Four charges of possessing a prohibited weapon, device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized;
– Three charges of possessing a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition;
– Four charges of carelessly storing a firearm;
– Six charges of possessing a firearm contrary to an order.
The offences took place in Langley and Osoyoos in May, June and July of 2014.
The investigation into Friesen’s activities began in May 2014, when the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. was contacted by United States law enforcement about a B.C. man suspected of using the Internet to sell gun parts that convert Glock pistols to fully automatic and silencers.
Local authorities began investigating and two months later searched Friesen’s home, truck and workshop, and a van and tent at an Osoyoos campground.
Friesen was arrested July 17, 2014, while camping with his young son. Numerous firearms and firearms-related prohibited devices were seized from his van and tent at the campground. Weapons, ammunition and tools were seized from Friesen’s home and workshop.
Police said following his arrest that Friesen has a long criminal history and is connected to several mid-level B.C. crime groups.
Friesen was also indicted in the U.S. and prosecutors there will be seeking his extradition.
– Jennifer Saltman is a Vancouver Province reporter.
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