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Loaded handgun found in bags belonging to Marco Sommerville by Akron-Canton Airport staff
By Connie Bloom Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007
Akron City Council President Marco Sommerville was found to have a loaded .38-caliber handgun in his carry-on luggage at Akron-Canton Airport on Monday night, authorities said.
Sommerville, contacted by phone in New Orleans, where he is attending the National League of Cities with other members of City Council, referred the matter to his attorney, Robert Meeker.
''I'm unclear on all the facts,'' said Meeker, ''but apparently the allegation is that he had a weapon in his bag and I'm understanding there is going to be a charge coming out of it.
''I can say he certainly was licensed to have that gun, not licensed to take it into the
airport.
''He did not intentionally take it in the airport. It was not a purposeful act. I think you will find that he was licensed . . . and that will be on record.''
Sommerville carries a weapon because he ''has a business he frequently has to go into late at night and early morning,'' Meeker said. Sommerville is a funeral home director.
Sgt. Harold Britt of the Summit County Sheriff's Office said the matter was referred to the Barberton Prosecutor's Office.
Kristie VanAuken, airport spokesperson, confirmed that Sommerville flew to New Orleans as planned but said he wasn't granted special treatment.
''We have no authority over what they do in terms of law enforcement,'' she said.
Notices that it is illegal to carry a gun aboard an aircraft are posted throughout the airport.
''Assuming he's charged, we'll wait for the summons and answer it,'' Meeker said. ''I don't know what section of the code that applies to airports. The sheriff and prosecutor will determine what, if anything, they will charge.''
Sommerville joined Akron City Council in 1987, when he was appointed to fill a vacancy. He was re-elected to another term this month.
Connie Bloom can be reached at 330-996-3568 or cbloom@thebeaconjournal.com.
Akron City Council President Marco Sommerville was found to have a loaded .38-caliber handgun in his carry-on luggage at Akron-Canton Airport on Monday night, authorities said.
Get the full article here.

