Woodbridge Fake Gun Actor Turns Down Plea Deal

Woodbridge, NJ - Carlo Bellario, a Toms River actor and stand-up comedian, turned down a plea offer Tuesday and will instead head to trial, after Woodbridge police arrested him for brandishing a fake gun while filming a movie in town last year.

Bellario was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon when, on Nov. 16, 2015, he was filming a car chase scene on Ridgedale Avenue. Bellario said he was directed to act like he was shooting a gun at an oncoming car. The prop gun he was given by the film's producers was an air soft pellet pistol, he says.

However, neither the producers nor the director had a permit to film, nor did they have a permit for the gun, Woodbridge police said. Bellario was the only person arrested and charged that day.

Bellario said he and others tried to explain to police that it was a movie shoot, and that the gun was a decoy, but police did not care. Under state law, an air soft pellet gun is considered a firearm.

On Tuesday, Bellario, appearing in court under his real name Carlo Goias, turned down a plea deal offered by Superior Court Judge Alberto Rivas, saying he would rather take his chances at trial.

Bellario has six prior convictions in two states, including for theft, credit card theft, and burglary, reports NJ.com. He's already facing up to five years in prison for the Woodbridge gun charge, but could now face an even longer sentence under New Jersey's certain persons not to have firearms law.

"You could be out in six months," Judge Rivas tantalizingly offered, reports NJ.com. "And that's what you are potentially rejecting today. But, it's your call. It's your decision. You're the one who has to live with all the consequences for your decision."

Bellario does have some friends in his corner: Union County Republican Assemblyman Jon Bramnick has come out in support of the actor, saying, "Common sense dictates that this guy should not be facing prison."