Judge questions prosecution of mechanic who built rifle silencers for Navy Seals
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A judge has questioned the viability of a prosecution against a man accused of illegally building hundreds of untraceable rifle silencers under what had been a secret contract with the Navy Seals.
At a pretrial hearing Friday, Judge Leonie Brinkema suggested that there may be classified evidence in the case that shows California race-car mechanic Mark Landersman had legitimate — but off-the-books — authorization to build the silencers from the Navy. If so, she said, she doubted that prosecutors could win their case.
Prosecutors Friday disagreed with Brinkema's assessment of the case.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Landersman's lawyers maintained that his actions were lawful and authorized.
Court records indicate that Landersman was paid $1.7 million in 2012 to build 349 suppressors.