AG Sues Federal Way Gun Store, Alleging Illegal Magazine Sales

OLYMPIA, WA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Wednesday announced a consumer protection lawsuit against a Federal Way gun store and its owner, following a sweep of more than two dozen gun sellers to verify compliance with new restrictions on the sale of high-capacity magazines.

The suit is the first enforcement action stemming from the law, which lawmakers approved earlier this year and took effect July 1. It bars Washington gun stores from importing, manufacturing, and selling gun magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, but does not outlaw owning them.

Ferguson's office alleges Federal Way Discount Guns, and owner Mohammed Reza Baghai, continued selling several varieties of items covered by the ban, including 50-round and 30-round magazines.

Investigators working for the Attorney General visited 25 firearm sellers in King, Piece, Snohomish, Thurston, Yakima, Kittitas, Benton and Spokane counties and said all but two were found to be in compliance. An investigation is still underway for the second shop that was found out of compliance.

"Our sweep confirmed that the overwhelming majority of gun retailers in Washington are doing the right thing and complying with the law," Ferguson said in a statement Wednesday. "In contrast, Federal Way Discount Guns chose to violate a law that makes our communities safer. We will continue to proactively enforce this law, and take action against anyone who illegally sells high-capacity magazines."

Ferguson's office said investigators visited the Federal Way store on four occasions between August and November, finding dozens of high-capacity magazines openly for sale. Investigators were able to buy prohibited items and said sales clerks refused to provide receipts, indicating they knew it was illegal.

In another instance, investigators said Baghai personally sold investigators a 30-round and 33-round magazine and threw the receipt in the trash.

Investigators said they purchased nine prohibited items during the operation:

• A 50-round drum magazine
• two 30-round magazines for an AR-15 style rifle
• a 33-round magazine for a Glock 17 pistol
• a 22-round Glock pistol magazine
• a 19-round magazine for a Glock 19 pistol
• a 17-round magazine for a Glock 17 pistol
• a 17-round magazine for a Glock 19 pistol
• a 17-round magazine for a Sig Sauer P229 pistol

The lawsuit was filed in King County Superior Court and the Attorney General's office intends to seek an injunction to force the store to stop selling high-capacity magazines and destroy or return any remaining inventory. The suit also requests forfeiture of all profits made from prohibited sales, along with financial penalties of up to $7,500 per violation.