2013 IN REVIEW: 'Straw' Buyer Sentenced For Supplying Gun That Killed Cop
By Brad Segall
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- A Philadelphia man who admitted he illegally bought a gun for another man -- who in turn used it to murder a Plymouth Township police officer last year -- was sentenced in 2013 to at least two decades behind bars.
Michael Henry pleaded guilty in March to all 23 charges against him (see related story), admitting he lied on the forms used to buy the guns and then illegally gave those guns to Andrew Thomas, a convicted felon.
Thomas used a 9mm Beretta pistol to fatally shoot Officer Brad Fox during a chase following a hit-and-run crash in 2012 (see related story).
The judge sentenced Henry this past August to 20-66 years in prison (see related story).
"Unfortunately, people are killed sometimes with guns that are sold illegally," said defense attorney Craig Hosay, "but it's rare -- it never happens -- that someone of this stature happens to be the unfortunate victim in this situation."
Montgomery County prosecutor Kevin Steele hoped the sentence would send a clear message to others.
"Twenty to sixty-six years should be a deterrent effect on anyone thinking about purchasing a gun for someone who cannot purchase one on their own," he said following Henry's sentencing.
Henry, 31, had asked the court for a shorter sentence. It was denied. He can still appeal to Pennsylvania Superior Court.
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