Man sentenced to more than 7 years on illegal weapons charge

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A man has been sentenced to 7½ years in prison on an illegal weapons charge stemming from an incident nearly five years ago.

Travis Dethlefs pleaded guilty in December to possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He faced a maximum penalty of life in prison because of his extensive criminal history.

Authorities say Dethlefs was founded to be in possession of a 12-guage shotgun in August 2011.

Dethlefs was convicted previously of 10 felony counts for burglary. He also has a felony conviction for escape.