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Pilot arrested for carrying loaded gun at Buffalo airport

A Barberville, Virginia airline pilot has been arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a concealed firearm for attempting to bring a handgun on a plane this morning at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. 

Piedmont Airlines pilot Brett Dieter was scheduled to fly a plane from Buffalo to New York's Laguardia for US Airways, when a TSA agent noticed what appeared to be a firearm in Dieter's bag.  NFTA Police then recovered a loaded .357 magnum holding five rounds of ammunition. 

The U.S. Attorney's Office says it believes Dieter, 52, has been traveling with the gun since Wednesday, during which time he has piloted seven flights. 

After an initial appearance this morning, Dieter was charged and released. He is due back in federal court next week.  If convicted, he would face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

 

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