Judge sentences man to 15 years on weapons charge

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - A North Dakota man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison on an illegal weapons charge.

Thirty-three-year-old Ryan Mountain, of Grand Forks, pleaded guilty in February to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Authorities say police discovered a Hi-Point 9mm pistol and ammunition during a search of a Grand Forks residence in July 2013.

Mountain had previous felony convictions for two counts of terrorizing, two counts of aggravated assault, delivery of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon says federal penalties for illegal weapons can be severe for felons who have committed crimes of violence and serious drug offenses.

A federal public defender was not immediately available for comment.