A western Massachusetts prosecutor has taken a big step toward becoming a federal judge.
Hampden County District Attorney Mark Mastroianni and two other judicial nominees were questioned for about 90 minutes Tuesday by members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Mastroianni answered questions about victim’s rights, drugs cases, and a controversial 2013 prosecution for violating the state’s gun storage law.
" The Second Amendment is clear. Individuals do have rights to firearms and I recognize and respect that as clearly the law of the land. States have the authority to impose other regulations that affect the safety of their citizens."
If confirmed by the full senate Mastroianni will become the U.S. District Court judge in Springfield.