Weapons seized at Burress' home; police unsure about charges

Associated Press

A small cache of weapons and ammunition and the pants and sneakers that Plaxico Burress wore when he accidentally shot himself last month have been seized from the home of the New York Giants receiver, police said Wednesday.

A 9-mm handgun, a rifle and ammunition, including a clip for a .45 gun, were taken from Burress' home in Totowa by authorities executing a search warrant Tuesday evening, police said.

Investigators are trying to determine whether the weapons are registered, so it is unclear whether Burress will face additional charges.

Burress was charged with two felony gun-possession charges following the accidental shooting at a Manhattan nightclub last month.

Benjamin Brafman, the receiver's criminal attorney, said Wednesday morning that he believed that only a registered rifle was taken from the home. He did not know whether Burress would face additional charges.

"We have not had a chance to review this new information," Brafman said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday morning. "When we do, we will have additional comment."

Burress was not at home during the search by Totowa police, the NYPD and officials from the Manhattan District Attorney's office. His wife was there, police said. Brafman said his client was out of town but did not elaborate.

The New York Post reported that authorities discovered a suitcase full of money, but police said that was unsubstantiated.

Burress accidentally shot himself in the right thigh at the Latin Quarter nightclub on Nov. 29 when he fumbled with an unlicensed handgun tucked into the waistband of his sweat pants. He checked himself into New York-Cornell Hospital and later turned himself in to police.

The Giants suspended Burress for the rest of the season and also withheld $1 million owed to him as part of his signing bonus.

Burress is due back in court March 31 and faces up to 3½ years in prison on each count.

Burress was also sued last week in Florida's Broward County Circuit Court for rear-ending a woman in May while driving his nearly $140,000 Mercedes-Benz.

According to a document provided by the woman's attorney, his car insurance lapsed three days before the crash. A letter from Allstate says Burress neglected to pay his premiums.


Burress Timeline

Feb. 3: Made 13-yard winning touchdown reception in Super Bowl XLII.

June 12: Fined $25,000 for refusing to practice at mandatory minicamp.

Aug. 19: Wife called police over domestic dispute; granted temporary restraining order.

Sept. 4: Signed a five-year, $35 million contract.

Oct. 5: Suspended two weeks, one game (vs. Seattle) and fined $117,500 for missing a team meeting.

Oct. 19: Fined $45,000 for verbally abusing a referee and throwing a ball into stands.

Oct. 26: Benched for first quarter vs. the Steelers after missing a mandatory treatment session.

Nov. 28: Accidentally shot himself in right thigh at a New York nightclub.

Nov. 29: Is treated at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and discharged.

Dec. 1: Posts $100,000 bail on weapons possession charges.

Dec. 2: Suspended four games for conduct detrimental to the team.

Dec. 22: Sued by a woman in Florida who claims she was injured when he hit her car. At the time of the May collision, Burress' $140,000 Mercedes was uninsured.

Dec. 23: Police search Burress' home, seizing a small cache of weapons, ammunition and the pants and sneakers that Burress wore when he accidentally shot himself.


Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press