Wherein we learn once again, that when a white guy tries to get on a plane with a gun it is just an “honest mistake”.
Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, facing felony gun charges for having a handgun in a carry-on bag while trying to board an airplane, reached a deal Sept. 29 in Maryland.
Specifics on a plea deal were not readily available, but Pettyjohn faced felony firearm, explosive on aircraft and misdemeanor handgun on a person. The charges stemmed from a June 22 incident in Salisbury when airport officials found a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm semiautomatic handgun stored in Pettyjohn’s laptop bag.
Pettyjohn said he has a permit to carry a concealed weapon for Delaware but there is no reciprocity with Maryland for people who have a Delaware permit. He was preparing to fly to a conference in New Orleans when, he said, he inadvertently left the weapon in a carry-on bag. According to FAA officials, a person who travels with a gun must put it in luggage that is checked in.
On Friday, he said he made an honest mistake when he forgot to put his handgun in luggage for check-in.
“I’m thankful for the professionalism of all parties involved, including my counsel John Phoebus,” Pettyjohn said. “My family and I are happy that this is now behind us, and I look forward to continuing to work for and represent the people of the 19th senate district.”
The Maryland District Court Commissioner filed the felony charge against Pettyjohn, an offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, but the case was eventually moved to Maryland Circuit Court and the misdemeanor handgun charge was added.
