Pawn shop employee, former sheriff get prison time for firearms violation
KANSAS CITY — A Pleasonton man who was an employee of a former Linn County sheriff has been sentenced to 41 months in prison for a federal firearms violation. Jeffrey Nicholas, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing firearms and ammunition after a felony conviction, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. Former Linn County sheriff Barry Walker was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison in connection with the same incident. Nicholas admitted he was handling, selling and possessing firearms while he was working at Big Bear’s Gifts and Pawn Shop in Pleasanton, which was owned by Walker while he was sheriff. Nicholas, who had a prior felony conviction, was caught during an inspection by federal investigators. Grissom said investigators warned Walker about the violation and he agreed to prevent Nicholas from having any further access to firearms. Despite the warnings, Nicholas continued to be involved in handling, selling and possessing firearms at the store with Walker’s knowledge for two more years.
Monday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m.
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