SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The U.S. Attorney's office says a 41-year-old man was sentenced to nearly six years in prison after he was convicted of possessing a silencer.

U.S. Attorney for South Dakota Randolph Seiler says Neiko Currie was indicted for possession of an unregistered firearm by a federal grand jury on April 8 and pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 4. He was sentenced this week.

Authorities say Currie was in the process of selling a rifle with an attached silencer when the purchaser contacted the Brookings Police Department to ask if the purchase was legal. Officers paid off the remaining balance on the rifle and silencer and arrested Currie.

Currie has been turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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