Newton Cleared of Illegal Weapons Charge

Black Panther co-founder Huey Newton was found innocent Friday of two counts of possessing firearms illegally.

Newton was charged after agents who raided his hillside home in April, 1985, in connection with an embezzlement case found a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol in a dresser drawer and parts of a 9-millimeter pistol in his basement. Newton, an ex-felon, is not allowed to possess firearms.

Newton’s attorney argued that Newton and his wife, Fredrika, were separated at the time and Newton was living with his brother in Oakland. He said the weapons were bought by Fredrika Newton to protect herself.

Newton is free on $250,000 bail while appealing a 1978 conviction for being an ex-felon in possession of firearms. His appeal is based on the fact that his 1964 assault conviction was overturned later on appeal.