Drew Peterson Gun Charges

On May 21, 2008, an arrest warrant was issued for former police sergeant Drew Peterson in Bolingbrook, Illinois.

Peterson, a suspect in the disappearance of his wife Stacy Peterson, turned himself in to authorities a short time later to face felony gun charges.

Reports said the weapons charge is not related to the Stacy Peterson case.

Fast Facts

1. Felony gun charge
2. Concerns length of a rifle barrel
3. Not related to Stacy Peterson case
4. If convicted, Peterson could get five years in prison
5. Hearing scheduled for May 22, 2008

Illegal Rifle?

The weapons-related charges against Peterson stem from a rifle recovered during a November 1, 2007 search of his home.

Prosecutors said the barrel of the rifle, a Colt model Sporter Lightweight, 223 Remington, was found to be shorter than the law allows. Peterson carried the weapon as a member of the Bolingbrook SWAT team.

Quotes

1. "...(Peterson) knowingly possessed a rifle, namely a Colt model Sporter Lightweight, 223 Remington rifle, Serial #SL025365 with attached EOTech electronic sight, with a barrel less than 16 inches in length..."— Will County State Attorney's Office statement
2. "He was a SWAT team member, and he was allowed to have two duty weapons. This was a registered duty weapon with the Bolingbrook Police Department, and he carried it for 10 years. The State Police had this weapon in their possession before he retired, so there is no basis for this charge."— Joel Brodsky, Peterson's attorney

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