A Chillicothe man has been sentenced to federal prison on a firearm violation.

Joseph M. Johnson, 33, of Chillicothe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes on Monday, July 30, 2012, to four years and nine months in federal prison without parole.

Acting US Attorney David M. Ketchmark says Johnson pleaded guilty Feb. 7 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Johnson pawned a Winchester 30-06 caliber rifle at a Chillicothe pawn shop and about a month later attempted to redeem the rifle.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.

In 1999 a Platte County jury found Johnson guilty of involuntary manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon.