Reuben King, a Lancaster County, Pennsylvania dairy farmer, was convicted by a federal jury in May 2023 for selling firearms without a license, despite there being no clear legal requirement that he needed a license to do so.
King, whose main business is dairy farming, collects and sells various long guns on the side. He mainly sells to fellow Amish. Federal law does not require sellers to acquire a license if they only “occasionally” sell firearms and their “principal motive” is not to make a profit. King’s primary business is his dairy operation.
The vagueness of the law was used by federal agents and prosecutors to indict and convict King, who could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2024 at 2 p.m. King can appeal to a higher court, but only after sentencing.
To make a donation to Reuben King, visit, www.givesendgo.com/reubenking
To learn more about the Reuben King story, read the following articles from The Lancaster Patriot:
November 18, 2022: Amish Farmer Fights Firearms Dealing Charge
January 12, 2023: Court Trial Set for Reuben King After Dismissal Denied
January 26, 2023: Reuben King Trial Rescheduled
August 1, 2023: Reuben King Awaits Sentencing After Being Convicted of Selling Long Guns
August 7, 2023: District Judge Denies Reuben King’s Motion to Set Aside Verdict
October 27, 2023: Reuben King’s Sentencing Hearing Rescheduled for Second Time
On January 12, 2023, local pastor Joel Saint joined The Lancaster Patriot managing editor Chris Hume to discuss the Reuben King story.
On August 7, 2023, Stew Peters went to bat for Reuben King on his far-reaching nightly show.