BryanP
Member
I'm still trying to figure this one out. If it was in private and non-threatening why is it even misdemeanor assault? Admittedly it was stupid to let anyone see it even if he did feel threatened.
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Station owner guilty in gun display
By Chris Lewis, [email protected]
April 13, 2004
John Heidelberg, the owner of radio station WVOL, has been found guilty of misdemeanor assault for displaying a gun during a meeting with employees nearly two years ago.
The conviction carries a punishment of up to a year in jail - less than the three to six years of jail time he would have faced under the felony aggravated assault charges sought in a grand jury indictment last June.
Heidelberg, who is credited for giving Oprah Winfrey her first radio job, pulled out a gun in a closed-door meeting with employees in July 2003.
Heidelberg said put the gun in his pocket because he was concerned for his safety when confronting deejay Jimi Bruce about a personnel matter. Bruce sought criminal and civil charges against Heidelberg, saying he feared for his life when Heidelberg came at him with a gun in hand.
In a written ruling issued on Thursday, Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Seth Norman said although it was clear that Heidelberg displayed the gun, "it was not done in such a manner as to threaten the victim." But Norman also said he didn't believe Heidelberg was acting in self defense.
Bruce said the verdict offered some satisfaction.
"I prayed that at least (Heidelberg) wouldn't get acquittal, because this vindicates a lot of the things that he's tried to say about me that has [cast] doubt about my character," Bruce said.
Heidelberg's attorney, Bryan Lewis, said he is still digesting the judge's opinion. He said his client would be a good candidate for probation when he faces sentencing at an undetermined date.
"It's been my client's testimony since day one it was never his intent to place (Bruce) in fear. His intent was for his protection and to have the gun in his pocket," Lewis said.
Direct Link to Story
Station owner guilty in gun display
By Chris Lewis, [email protected]
April 13, 2004
John Heidelberg, the owner of radio station WVOL, has been found guilty of misdemeanor assault for displaying a gun during a meeting with employees nearly two years ago.
The conviction carries a punishment of up to a year in jail - less than the three to six years of jail time he would have faced under the felony aggravated assault charges sought in a grand jury indictment last June.
Heidelberg, who is credited for giving Oprah Winfrey her first radio job, pulled out a gun in a closed-door meeting with employees in July 2003.
Heidelberg said put the gun in his pocket because he was concerned for his safety when confronting deejay Jimi Bruce about a personnel matter. Bruce sought criminal and civil charges against Heidelberg, saying he feared for his life when Heidelberg came at him with a gun in hand.
In a written ruling issued on Thursday, Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Seth Norman said although it was clear that Heidelberg displayed the gun, "it was not done in such a manner as to threaten the victim." But Norman also said he didn't believe Heidelberg was acting in self defense.
Bruce said the verdict offered some satisfaction.
"I prayed that at least (Heidelberg) wouldn't get acquittal, because this vindicates a lot of the things that he's tried to say about me that has [cast] doubt about my character," Bruce said.
Heidelberg's attorney, Bryan Lewis, said he is still digesting the judge's opinion. He said his client would be a good candidate for probation when he faces sentencing at an undetermined date.
"It's been my client's testimony since day one it was never his intent to place (Bruce) in fear. His intent was for his protection and to have the gun in his pocket," Lewis said.
