By Michael Copley
Staff Writer
mcopley@powhatantoday.com

Everett Messer, a 63-year-old resident of Powhatan County who was convicted of felony gun possession in January, was sentenced to eight months of home incarceration, rather than jail, because of health issues that include post traumatic stress disorder dating back to his military service in Vietnam, according to his lawyer.

Police were called to Messer’s home in the 4500 block of Lockin Road on Oct. 16, 2010, after a neighbor saw him holding a gun and crouching along a wood line.

Messer, who was found holding a .22 caliber pistol, told police he was “defending himself against his neighbor’s dogs,” according to Powhatan Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Richard Cox.

When deputies returned to serve a warrant, Messer emerged from his home with another .22 caliber pistol behind his back, Cox said. He was disarmed and taken into custody. During a search of the property, deputies found an antique rifle and ammunition.

Messer pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Circuit Judge James F. D’Alton Jr. sentenced Messer to five years in prison for gun possession with all but eight months of the term suspended. A five-year sentence for possession of ammunition was suspended entirely.