Perrysburg police officer facing firearms charge

4/16/2005

A Perrysburg police officer was charged yesterday with illegal possession of a fully automatic firearm, authorities said.

Brett Stoner is accused of owning an AK-47 automatic rifle that was converted from a semi-automatic weapon, Perrysburg police Chief Richard Gilts said. The weapon was not properly registered.

The Perrysburg Police Division fired Mr. Stoner yesterday. He started working for the division in October and was classified as a probationary employee.

Authorities discovered Tuesday that Mr. Stoner was in possession of the automatic rifle, Chief Gilts said. The police department put him on administrative leave with pay pending completion of an investigation.

Mr. Stoner is scheduled to appear Monday in Perrysburg Municipal Court. He is free on his own recognizance until the court hearing.