Carlo Bellario, the actor charged with using a BB gun as a prop while filming a movie in New Jersey, has declined a plea agreement in favor of going to trial. Bellario, who believed the producer had a permit for the pellet gun and was not using the firearm in the commission of any crime, was arrested in Woodbridge in November while on the set of a low-budget film. He was offered a three-year prison term—but if he loses in court, he could face five years for weapons possession, plus another 10 years at the court’s discretion.
N.J. Assemblyman Jon Bramnick has stated he believes the charges should be dropped, and is currently working on a bill with Sen. Raymond Lesniak that would give prosecutors more discretion in cases like Bellario’s. “This actor is shooting a movie with no criminal intent whatsoever,” Bramnick said. “Common sense dictates that this guy should not be facing prison.”
We’ll keep you posted.
