Peorian Sentenced on Firearm Charge

A Peoria man, one of eight arrested earlier this year as part of Peoria's Most Violent Offender Program, was sentenced Thursday in Peoria federal court to 46 months in prison, according to court officials. 24 year old Edmond C. Simmons had entered a blind plea to unlawful transport of a firearm. He was one of eight rounded up as part of the city's latest crime fighting program.Many of the suspects rounded up were charged as being felons in possession of a firearm. At the time of their arrests last April, State's Attorney Jerry Brady said it was a first step of sending a message that violent criminals will not be tolerated.