Gilbert Arenas Charged With Felony Gun Possession

Jan. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, suspended indefinitely from professional basketball after admitting to having guns in his locker, was charged with a felony count of carrying a handgun without a license.



The charge carries a maximum jail term of five years, Channing Phillips, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia in Washington, said in an e-mailed statement.


“On or about Dec. 21, 2009, within the District of Columbia, Gilbert J. Arenas, did carry, openly and concealed on or about his person, in a place other than his dwelling place, place of business or on other land possessed by him, a pistol, without license/licenses issued pursuant to law,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Kavanaugh said in a criminal information filed today in Superior Court of the District of Columbia.


Arenas, 28, has said he misinterpreted a change in local gun laws when he moved four firearms to his locker at the Verizon Center in Washington from his home in Virginia to keep them away from his children.


Arenas was suspended without pay on Jan. 6 by National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern.