Assemblyman Gets Fine For Carrying Loaded Gun In Airport

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly was sentenced to three years probation and a $2,215 fine

Donnelly, who did not appear in court, pleaded no contest to the two misdemeanor charges.

Donnelly must turn himself in to a San Bernardino County jail by July 10 to be booked and released, according to the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office.

Donnelly’s attorney, former Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco, entered the plea on Donnelly’s behalf at a Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga Monday.

Donnelly released a statement regarding his sentence: “I have been forthright and acknowledged my regrettable mistake; it was an innocent and honest mistake.” 

Donnelly’s .45-caliber Colt Mark IV pistol will be destroyed along with the ammunition. Also part of the agreement, Donnelly is prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm that is not registered to him.

Christopher Lee, spokesperson for the San Bernardino District Attorney's Office, told The Los Angeles Times he believed that the sentence was fair, and that Donnelly was "treated like another other person with these circumstances."

Donnelly, who currently represents the 59th Assembly District, claimed he forgot the loaded pistol was in his carryon luggage before a TSA employee discovered it.