Newton Cleared in Handgun Case
A jury found Black Panther leader Huey Newton innocent Friday of two counts of being an ex-felon in possession of handguns.
The Alameda County Superior Court jury deliberated less than eight hours over two days. Newton faced a possible state prison term of up to three years if convicted.
The case stemmed from an April, 1985, raid on his Oakland house by state agents and Oakland police investigating an embezzlement case against Newton. While searching for records and documents, they said they found a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol in a bedroom drawer and parts of a 9-millimeter pistol in the basement of the home.
As an ex-felon, Newton is prohibited from possessing concealable firearms.
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