CAPE GIRARDEAU - A Charleston man will spend 20 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm.
Andrew L. Richardson, 53, was sentenced on one felony count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He appeared Monday before U.S. District Judge Charles A. Shaw.
On March 9, 2003, a Missouri State Highway patrolman stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in Charleston. As the officer attempted to get Richardson, who was driving, out of the vehicle, the officer felt a pistol in the jacket being worn by Richardson.
The officer seized the gun which was a .380 caliber, semi-automatic pistol.
Previously Richard was convicted of two felony driving while intoxicated charges and of unlawful use of a weapon.
Also Monday, Billy J. Mitchell, 41, of Puxico pled guilty to one felony count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
On Aug. 14, 2002, law enforcement officers searched Mitchell's Stoddard County residence and located a .22 caliber, semi-automatic rifle, which Mitchell admitted was in his possession.
Mitchell was convicted in 1993 of the felony of rape. He now faces a punishment of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for March 14.