Philadelphia man appeals sentence in gun case

A Philadelphia man who pleaded guilty to making an illegal “straw purchase” of a gun later used by another man to kill a suburban police officer is appealing his 20- to 66-year prison sentence.

Michael Henry’s attorney told The Times Herald on Friday that notice of appeal was filed in Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Defense attorney Craig Hosay said the sentence was excessive for someone with no prior criminal record and who cooperated with investigators.

Henry was sentenced by a Montgomery County judge in August after pleading guilty to charges including the illegal sale or transfer of nine firearms. Prosecutors said one of those weapons was used to kill Plymouth Township police Officer Bradley Fox in 2012.

The gunman killed himself. He was a felon and couldn’t buy guns himself.