A Washington man has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for a firearm conviction.

Washington County Attorney John Gish announces that 29-year-old Murphy Lee Rutherford pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of second-degree theft, both class D felonies. At Rutherford’s sentencing on February 25th he asked the court to be placed on probation while Gish’s office recommended prison. The court sentenced him to prison concluding that is the best option for Rutherford’s rehabilitation and for the protection of the community.

On July 23rd, 2021 the Washington Police Department received a report of stolen firearms and discovered Rutherford, a convicted felon, to be in possession. After he was charged Rutherford was arrested on additional charges for third-degree theft and operation of a motor vehicle without owner’s consent for a November 3rd incident. He also faces two counts of possession of a controlled substance second offense, an aggravated misdemeanor. Those cases remain pending. KCII will bring you more information as it becomes official.