A Knoxville man has pled guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a prohibited firearm.

Rick Van Donsler, of Knoxville, accepted a plea agreement this week. Court records indicate that he was found to be in possession of a Colt .38 Detective Special handgun with an obliterated serial number. As a part of the agreement, Van Donsler has agreed to forfeit the gun. Sentencing will be held on December 12th, 2017. The plea agreement states that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Van Donsler agree the court should impose probation, and both parties will not advocate for a higher or lower sentence at the time of sentencing. Should the court decline to impose the recommended sentence, both Van Donsler and the Federal Government may withdraw the plea agreement. Those convicted of possession of a prohibited firearm can face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.