Robbins Town Commissioner Mark Garner and his son, Lucas, appeared in District Court Monday.

They appeared before District Court Judge Jayrene Maness to say they would not ask for court-appointed counsel.

Each faces a number of felony charges from what Garner says was a misunderstanding resulting from his son's sale of a pistol and his signing of a receipt for the sale. The single act of signing that receipt -- which he says he thought was nothing more than giving permission for his minor son to sell the gun -- technically put him illegally in possession of a firearm.

Garner was convicted 15 years ago of a felony. Since then, his civil rights were restored, and he now serves on the town board of Robbins. Sheriff's deputies charged him with possessing stolen goods, possessing a stolen firearm, obtaining property under false pretenses, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

His 17-year-old son is charged with possession of a firearm by a minor, larceny of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, obtaining property under false pretenses, and possession of stolen goods.

Some of the charges are misdemeanors. If convicted on any felony, Garner would have to step down from the Town Board.

Mark Garner could be sentenced to 44 months in prison on his most serious charge, the class G felony of possession of a firearm by a felon.

He and his son both said they would hire their own attorney or represent themselves. Maness set their court date for April 2.

John Chappell can be reached at 783-5841 or by e-mail at jchappell@thepilot.com.