NJ Coast Guard Officer Found Facing Weapons Charges

A Coast Guard officer stationed in southern New Jersey stands accused of stashing firearms and large capacity magazines in his home and locker.

Cape May County prosecutors say 32-year-old Petty Officer Preston Blair was being held Monday on weapons charges. They say three firearms, 13 high-capacity magazines and hundreds of bullets were recovered Friday when authorities searched Blair's home and vehicle in Middle Township and his storage locker in Lower Township.

Prosecutors allege Blair stole empty magazines from a locker at a Coast Guard training center in Cape May, where he is stationed. Blair has served in the Coast Guard for 11 years.

Blair's bail was set at $50,000. It was not clear Monday if Blair had retained a lawyer.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)