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Woman admits to stealing, selling gun used to shoot Ithaca officer

Photo: WHCU


A Pennsylvania woman has admitted to possessing and selling a stolen gun used in the October 2012 shooting of Ithaca Police officer Anthony Augustine.

23-year-old Ciera Leann Bennett of Lawrenceville, Pa., entered a guilty plea this week to the charges against her. She could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Federal prosecutors say Bennett stole the gun from her mother in Tioga, Pa., and transported it over state lines. They say on April 26, 2012, Bennett and co-defendant Danelle Wilson transported the gun to Elmira, and sold it.

The gun was later found on New Year’s Eve in 2012. Ballistic tests showed it was the gun used by Jamel Booker to shoot Augustine near the West Village Apartments.

Bennett admitted to stealing the gun, selling it, and using the money to buy drugs, according to prosecutors.

She’s due to be sentenced March 19.

 

 

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