Man in N.D. newspaper gun incident pleads not guilty

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — A man accused of hiding a loaded shotgun at the Grand Forks Herald newspaper has pleaded not guilty.

Twenty-three-year-old Philip Manaigre (muh-NAG') is charged with felony illegal possession of a firearm and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Herald employees found the gun Feb. 22 stashed in a pillowcase inside a break room cabinet.

Manaigre worked for a custodial firm hired to clean the Herald's building at night. Police say Manaigre told officers he had the gun for self protection, and forgot he had left it at the newspaper building when the custodial firm transferred him out of the Herald early last December.

Authorities say Manaigre has a criminal history and was not allowed to have guns. He faces up to six years in prison and $7,000 in fines if convicted.

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