US Senator Jeff Wilson Acquitted on Gun Charge in Hong Kong, Allowed to Leave Despite Potential 14-Year Sentence

Sen. Jeff Wilson, who self-reported his "honest mistake" of carrying an unregistered gun to Hong Kong, managed to avoid conviction due to his full cooperation and clean criminal record; the case's resolution allows him to resume legislative duties in Washington.

US Senator Jeff Wilson was acquitted in Hong Kong after self-reporting that he unintentionally brought an unlicensed gun into the territory on October 21. The senator stated that he discovered the gun in his briefcase during his flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong.
Wilson immediately reported the 'honest mistake' to customs officials upon landing and was subsequently arrested. Despite facing a potential 14-year sentence, he was acquitted due to his full cooperation with authorities and his clear criminal record.
The Hong Kong court granted Wilson a 'bind-over order' freeing him without a conviction and requiring him to avoid committing further firearms offenses for two years. If Wilson breaches this order, he could face a fine of 2,000 Hong Kong dollars ($255).
Questions were raised during the court proceedings about how Wilson's revolver managed to pass through airport security in the US twice - once in Portland and again in San Francisco - without being detected.
With the case dismissed, Wilson, who represents Washington’s 19th district, is allowed to leave Hong Kong and continue his legislative duties in the US. The senator expressed relief over the case's resolution and apologized for the concern his actions created.

South China Morning Post