Ex-cop sentenced for explosion that took part of his arm

[WhiteFeather]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08172/891418-100.stm

Ex-cop sentenced for explosion that took part of his arm

A former Pittsburgh police officer was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison this morning for possessing an improvised explosive device that blew up in his Oakdale trailer.

Paul Anthony Palmer Jr. got a five-month break on the advisory sentence of 57 months, because, according to the judge, he already suffered some punishment by losing part of his left arm in the explosion.

"The biggest victim of this incident was the defendant himself," said U.S. District Judge David S. Cercone. "There's already been some punishment imposed against him."

Mr. Palmer, who worked as a city officer for more than 10 years, pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm in March.

When North Fayette officers searched Mr. Palmer's home, the found numerous components for improvised explosive devices, including cardboard tubes, black powder, red phosphorous and a green pyrotechnic fuse hidden in the padding of an armchair.

Defense attorney James A. Wymard said his client never intended to harm anyone with the devices.

"He used those to go out in the woods and blow up pumpkins, which is a common practice in the area where he lives," Mr. Wymard said.