The ex-mayor of Marcus Hook, Penn., has been sentenced to up to 20 months in prison for discharging his firearm to intimidate a man he had invited to his home for a drink. James Schiliro is an outspoken gun control advocate and was a member of former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Mayors Against Illegal Guns.
Schiliro had a police cruiser bring his former neighbor, a 20-year-old man, who he was apparently attracted to, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. He reportedly made the man drink wine and refused to let him leave for more than three hours.
Marcus Hook Mayor James 'Jay" Schiliro, seen here in March 2013, was found guilty last month of recklessly endangering another person, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, official oppression, and furnishing liquor to a minor. (AP Photo / Delaware County Daily Times, Eric Hartline)
During the "alcohol-fueled episode," Schiliro allegedly threatened to kill himself before firing his gun into a stack of papers. The man eventually was able to leave the home and called 911.
The mayor faces 10 to 20 months in prison as well as five years of probation, 50 hours of community service and is required to pay $1,300 in fines and court fees.
Though his situation is serious, Schiliro actually credits his victim, identified as Nicholas Dorsam, with saving his life. He said he was "so drunk and so upset" that he would have committed suicide if his former neighbor hadn't mentioned his daughter, who was sleeping upstairs.
"That is the only thing that kept me from pulling the trigger," he said.
However, Judge James F. Nilon was reportedly unconvinced by the emotional testimony from Schiliro and his family members.
"I don't think you appreciate the seriousness of the nature of the behavior that you engaged in," the judge said.
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(H/T: CNSNews.com)
