TRENTON -- Brian Aitken, who was convicted of illegally possessing two handguns that he had legally purchased in Colorado, will be spending Christmas out of prison. Gov. Chris Christie commuted Aitken's sentence, from seven years to time served, according to an order the governor signed today. Aitken had appealed to Christie for commutation after being sentenced in August. According...
Brian AitkenTRENTON -- Brian Aitken, who was convicted of illegally possessing two handguns that he had legally purchased in Colorado, will be spending Christmas out of prison.
Gov. Chris Christie commuted Aitken's sentence, from seven years to time served, according to an order the governor signed today.
Aitken had appealed to Christie for commutation after being sentenced in August. According to the commutation order, Aitken will be released as "soon administratively possible."
In 2009, Aitken was arrested for possessing three handguns and ammunition -- the guns were unloaded -- after State Police troopers found them in the trunk of his car. Aitken was visiting his mother in Burlington County when she became concerned about his well-being and called the police.
Aitken had recently moved from Colorado, where he bought the guns.
Supporters of Aitken began a "Free Brian Aitken" Facebook campaign to get his sentence commuted.
Previous coverage from Star-Ledger columnist Paul Mulshine:
• Mulshine: Gun advocates ask if Christie's a straight shooter
• Mulshine: More on the Brian Aitken front: Christie considering a pardon