Harpster Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Firearm

COEUR D’ALENE—Steven Winegar, 52, of Harpster, Idaho, was sentenced late yesterday to five years’ probation and eight months of house arrest for illegal possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge prohibited Winegar from possessing firearms, destructive devices, gun powder, or fuses. At sentencing, Judge Lodge noted Winegar’s lack of criminal history, military service, and the cost it would take to care for the defendant’s many medical and mental conditions.

Winegar pleaded guilty to the charge on December 30, 2010. According to the plea agreement, on July 3, 2010, FBI agents arrested Winegar and co-defendant Kenneth Kimbley, Jr., on suspicion of making destructive devices. Winegar was found in possession of a Springfield XD. 45 pistol. He admitted he was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his status as an unlawful user or addict of a controlled substance.

Co-defendant Kenneth Kimbley, Jr., 59, of Spirit Lake, Idaho, pleaded guilty on November 22, 2010, to attempting to make explosive devices and illegal possession of a firearm. Kimbley is also prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction. Sentencing is set for August 8.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).