T&T Tactical Is Fundraising for Legal Defense

The Tretola family of Bellmore held a fundraiser on Thursday evening to raise money for the defense of Martin and Thomas Tretola, who were arrested in February during an undercover investigation for allegedly illegally selling assault weapons to District Attorney investigators and members of the New York State police.

Cena Tretola, wife of Martin and sales manager at T&T Tactical in New Hyde Park, noted that $200,000 is needed for their defense in this case.

"We hope to preserve second amendment rights in Nassau and Suffolk County," Cena Tretola said, adding, "This could be a precendence-setting case."

Tretola noted toward the beginning of the fundraising dinner that there was a larger-than-expected turnout.

Two attendees, Brian and Christina of Seaford who know the Tretola family, noted that this is not the first time the Tretola's have had similar legal issues.

"They didn't break any law in any way," Brian said.

Christina added that things have been taken out of context related to the Tretola's situation.

The fundraiser, held in a room at Manor East in Massapequa, featured raffled and auctioned items. Some of these prizes were guns and gun-related items, but according to a note left on the tables at the fundraiser, "Please note: any one receiving a firearm must complete a NICS background check, show proper ID and be approved before leaving tonight. Forms are at the check out area."

The room where the fundraiser was held was decked out in red, white and blue paraphernalia and the piece "Do You Want My Gun" by Dr. Gene Howard was in attendees' folded napkins.

To see a list of the charges against Martin Tretola and his son Thomas and further details about this situation, click here.

Requests for comment from District Attorney Kathleen Rice's office were not immediately returned.