CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) – The attorney for a Long Island man arrested on weapons charges says his client is a collector and not a threat to the community.

Anthony Piromalli was released on $1,000 bail after pleading not guilty Friday to three misdemeanor weapons charges and one felony weapons count. Police arrested him Thursday after obtaining a search warrant for his Babylon, N.Y., home.

Suffolk County police say they seized 33 switchblades, eight handguns, three rifles, a shotgun and ammunition.

Lawyer Mitchell Hirsch says his client has been a collector of watches, antique knives and other items.

He estimated the value of the seized weapons, some of which he said were in their original packaging, at $20,000.

“He doesn’t use them,” the lawyer says. “He creates displays.”

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