(WBBM/AP/CBS 2) BOLINGBROOK - Months after naming former police sergeant Drew Peterson a suspect in his wife's disappearance, authorities arrested him Wednesday on an unrelated weapons charge.
Peterson turned himself in to police and was released hours later, after an adult son posted 10 percent of a $75,000 bond to secure his release. Peterson left the Will County Jail without commenting.
Will County State's Attorney's office spokesman Chuck Pelkie says the charges are appropriate and that the weapon is illegal. He would not discuss the case further.
The weapon, a semiautomatic rifle, was one of 11 seized during a search of Peterson's home Nov. 1, shortly after Stacy Peterson disappeared in late October, authorities said. Illinois State Police said the rifle's barrel was too short under Illinois law.
Brodsky said Peterson still was a police officer when the weapon was seized and officers are exempt from the length provision of the law. Peterson retired from the force about two weeks after Stacy Peterson's disappearance.
Brodsky said the arrest was part of an effort by the state police to harass Peterson.
``Any inconvenience they can cause him, so much the better,'' Brodsky said as he waited outside the jail. ``They might believe it's a tactic to shake him up.''
Police also are investigating the death of Peterson's third wife, Kathleen Savio. She was found dead in a bathtub in 2004. Her death was initially ruled an accident.
After Stacy Peterson disappeared, Savio's body was exhumed and an autopsy determined she was the victim of a homicide. Peterson has not been named a suspect in her death.
The investigation into Stacy Peterson's disappearance has drawn worldwide media attention. Authorities have said they believe she is dead, and extensive searches have been conducted in forests, marshes, lakes and other areas in suburban Chicago.
The felony gun charge, unlawful use of a weapon, carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
Brodsky has been trying for months to convince a judge to order the Illinois State Police to return the seized weapons to Peterson. The judge already ordered police to return Peterson's vehicles and other belongings.
A court hearing was scheduled for Thursday on a proposal from Brodsky that ownership of the guns be transferred from Peterson to his adult son.
Contents of this site are Copyright 2008 by WBBM. CBS 2 contributed to this report. The AP contributed to this report.
05/21/2008 1:32PM
Your Call: What Is Your Take On The Drew/Stacy Peterson Case
Share your thoughts, comments here.
05/25/2008 1:35PM
this is stupid
If he had the weapon when it was legal for him to have it, and they took it away at that time. How is it illegal now when he getting them back and has not had possession of them. If he wanted to get rid of it he couldn't because the police had it. I don't agree with him, and I don't agree with how the press etc. has basically has tried him in the papers. If anything let the courts and police do what they have to. I just hope they solve the case!!!
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