In this Jan. 28 photo, former Marine Ryan Jerome stands in front of his R.J.'s Gold business. Jerome was arrested in Septembe when he tried to check his gun, which is legally licensed in Indiana, with security during a visit to the Empire State Building. Jerome took a plea deal that will spare him jail. |
NEW YORK (AP) -- A South Bend jewelry dealer arrested after trying to check his gun at the Empire State Building has taken a plea deal that will spare him jail.
Ryan Jerome pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor weapons-possession charge. The former Marine has to serve 10 hours of community service and pay a $1,000 fine.
Jerome's case got attention from veterans, gun-rights advocates and former New York Gov. David Paterson. Paterson said on a radio show last month that Jerome shouldn't be prosecuted.
The 28-year-old Jerome has an Indiana gun permit. He says he carries the weapon because he transports valuables, including during a September business trip to New York.
He says he acted responsibly by trying to hand his .45-caliber pistol to security guards at the skyscraper.
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Follow Jennifer Peltz at http:/twitter.com/jennpeltz
Ryan Jerome pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor weapons-possession charge. The former Marine has to serve 10 hours of community service and pay a $1,000 fine.
Jerome's case got attention from veterans, gun-rights advocates and former New York Gov. David Paterson. Paterson said on a radio show last month that Jerome shouldn't be prosecuted.
The 28-year-old Jerome has an Indiana gun permit. He says he carries the weapon because he transports valuables, including during a September business trip to New York.
He says he acted responsibly by trying to hand his .45-caliber pistol to security guards at the skyscraper.
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Follow Jennifer Peltz at http:/twitter.com/jennpeltz
