SHIRLEY, N.Y. -- The New York convenience store owner who made headlines after showing mercy on a would-be robber has been accused of selling drug paraphernalia, reported the Associated Press.
Shirley Express owner Mohammad Sohail's store in Shirley, N.Y., on Long Island, was one of seven businesses cited Tuesday. He is accused of violating state business laws.
Prosecutors said undercover officers bought bongs and pipe screens at the store three times in recent weeks.
Sohail said he did not know the items were not permitted to be sold.
It is not a [image-nocss] 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 a would-be robber $40 and a loaf of bread if the man agreed never to steal again. Confronted by the bat-wielding man, Sohail said he decided to show mercy after seeing him collapse into tears and claim he was only committing the crime to support his starving family. The man agreed to Sohail's terms and fled the store and has not been apprehended by authorities.
Click herefor previous CSP Daily News coverage of Sohail and to view .the surveillance video.
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