Donnelly Seeking Plea Deal on Gun Charges

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly is seeking a plea deal on misdemeanor charges following his January citation for attempting to bring a loaded gun onto a plane in Ontario Airport.

Donnelly claimed that he forgot he had the loaded 45 Colt Mark IV handgun in his carryon before entering TSA screening on Jan. 4. He later told reporters that he following death threats he received for his active support in overturning the Dream act, and his outspoken views on ending illegal immigration.

Donnelly was detained and given a citation before being allowed to board the plane. Donnelly pleaded not guilty to charges on Feb. 24.

The two charges carry jail sentences of one year and six months, respectively, according to the Sacramento Bee, although lighter sentences can be imposed depending on the circumstances.

His attorney, Rod Pacheco, former Assembly Republican leader and former Riverside County district attorney, said Donnelly has taken full responsibility for his actions, according to the Sacramento Bee.

He said a "committed public servant" is much different than a “gang member” bringing a loaded firearm onto a plane and warrants a different punishment.

“The justice system needs to mete our justice in a fair manner, taking into consideration various circumstances,” Pacheco told the Bee, although not specifying what he considered would be reasonable.

Donnelly told Patch in January that he was confident the justice system would deliver a fair disposition and that he was “not worried at all.”

“I’m not some wild man that you read about in the media,” said Donnelly. “That’s definitely not how I wanted to start off the new year.”