HotmailBenevolent N.Y. merchant cited in drug sweep
Man whose mercy brought would-be thief to tears accused of selling bongs
 | Video |
 |
Kind-hearted clerk busted for hawking drug wares June 5: The kind-hearted clerk in new York who showed mercy on a weeping would-be robber by giving him $40 and a loaf of bread was busted for selling illegal drug paraphernalia, officials said. WNBC's Greg Cergol reports. NBC News Channel |
 | Special feature |
 | Tales of survival A gator victim who got a new high-tech hand; a mom who woke from a coma; a police officer who flatlined twice. Learn how all these people and others came through life-threatening situations. |
 | Slideshow |
 | The Week in Pictures Yankees fans, Pakistan train crash, festival of lights, Iran protest, rodeo clowns, H1N1, toddler bowling and more news and feature photos from around the globe. more photos |
 |
 TODAY Player’s ponytail takedown sparks outrage Nov. 9: In an incident caught on camera, college students play rough in a women’s soccer match between the University of New Mexico and Brigham Young University. NBC’s Kevin Tibbles reports. |
| Video |
 | Store owner takes pity on robber June 3: A deli owner in Shirley, N.Y., takes out a gun and disarms a bat-wielding thief. The would-be robber then collapses in tears, saying he needed money to feed his family, and the owner gives him $40 and a loaf of bread. TODAY’s Ann Curry reports. Today show |
SHIRLEY, N.Y. - A New York convenience store owner who made headlines after showing mercy on a would-be robber has been accused of selling drug paraphernalia.
Shirley Express owner Mohammad Sohail's (so-HAYL) store on Long Island was one of seven businesses cited Tuesday. He's accused of violating state business laws.
Prosecutors say undercover officers bought bongs and pipe screens at the store three times in recent weeks.
Sohail said Thursday he did not know the items were not permitted to be sold.
It's not a criminal charge and is punishable by a fine of up to $30,000.
The merchant got attention this week when it was revealed that he gave an intended robber $40 and a loaf of bread if the man agreed never to steal again.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM PEOPLE |
 People Section Front |
| Add People headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links
Resource guide