Jonathan Shaw, celebrity tattoo artist and son of jazz musician Artie Shaw, pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of criminal possession in relation to a stash of guns, knives and ammunition he stored at a Manhattan Mini Storage self-storage facility in New York City.
Shaw, 57, was arrested in November after a moving company he hired to transport his belongings to Los Angeles saw the weapons and alerted authorities. He was charged in an 89-count indictment. Shaw claimed he purchased the weapons legally many years ago in the interest of collecting historical artifacts. His lawyers said he had no intention of using the weapons.
According to prosecutors, Shaw has never owned a rifle permit or firearms license in New York. Currently free on a $250,000 bail, he faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of criminal weapons possession.
The Shaw arsenal included a loaded AK-47 assault rifle, three other guns, 83 knives and more than 2,800 rounds of ammunition.
Shaw is famous for opening the first storefront, public tattoo parlor in New York City and for his tribal tattoo style. Past clients include Johnny Depp, Kate Moss and Marilyn Manson. Shaw was also a founder and managing editor of International Tattoo Art Magazine and has published two books.
Manhattan Mini Storage has 17 locations throughout New York City.
