Jonathan Michael Berry pleaded guilty Friday morning to a felony gun charge and DUI after being arrested April 7 during a traffic stop while he wore body armor and carried two handguns.
According to the agreement, Berry pleaded guilty to a Class 5 felony for possessing weapons as a previous offender and to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence. Seven other charges were dropped.
“On or about April 7, 2023, Jonathan Michael Berry unlawfully, feloniously and knowingly possessed, used or carried upon his person a firearm or other weapon,” the agreement said.
Because Berry had been convicted of felony menacing on June 4, 2019, he was not allowed to possess a firearm or weapon of any kind.
Under the plea deal, sentence recommendations include paying court costs and fees, paying costs of prosecution and restitution and relinquishing any claims to the weapons, drugs or currency seized during the arrest.
He could face a sentence of at least one to three years in jail for the Class 5 felony and fines of $1,000 to $100,00. The DUI sentence could range from five days to a year in jail and possible probation or community service.
He also would have two years of mandatory parole if sentenced to the Department of Corrections. Sentencing was set for July 25 at 2 p.m.
Judge Martin Gonzales presided over the hearing Friday.
Berry was arrested on April 7 after being pulled over on Main Street in Cortez for driving erratically. After he was pulled over, Berry was found to be wearing a body armor vest and carrying one handgun on his chest and one in his waistband. Officers also found a sawed-off shotgun in the trunk of the car, along with a cardboard target, multiple bullets and a tactical bag with a few items inside.
He allegedly was heading to his fiancee’s home at the time.
