Ex-Greene(County, OH)sheriff’s Maj. Spicer gets probation in gun case

[davepc]

Former Greene County Sheriff’s Maj. Eric Spicer was sentenced Monday to five years’ probation after his December conviction on two of seven counts related to the acquisition and possession of a machine gun.

Spicer, 45, is barred from ever owning guns, was fined $1,800 and must complete 100 hours of community service.

U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett announced the sentencing, adding that Spicer’s version of events was “equally plausible” to that of the prosecution’s. Barrett said he believed that if Spicer had been asked, he would have returned the machine gun.

Spicer’s attorneys said they plan to appeal the convictions.

“I’m not happy about the conviction for Eric, but Judge Barrett has seen what this really is about and his comments up there are telling,” said one of the attorneys, John D. Smith. Spicer’s prosecution was an overreach, Smith said, noting, “This is Eric falling through the (administrative or bureaucratic) cracks and me scratching my head why somebody like the ATF and the U.S. Attorney really care about somebody that falls through the cracks.”

...

http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/crime-law/spicer-sentenced-in-machine-gun-case/nkcss/#__federated=1


The article isn't particularly clear, but seems the officer in question used his own money and forged his boss's name on some paperwork to buy an HK416, I'm guessing under the guise of official business?

[FarPoint]

1. It was for personal use...

His career is toast.