'Real American' singer guilty: kept gun on plane, in airport
Jeff Martin, Associated Press
Updated 1:40 pm, Friday, February 24, 2017
In this Feb. 18, 2006 file photo, Rick Derringer performs during a campaign rally kicking off George Wallace Jr's bid for the office of lieutenant governor in Montgomery, Ala.
Keep going to see some of the wildest things that the TSA did catch in people's bags last year.
less
In this Feb. 18, 2006 file photo, Rick Derringer performs during a campaign rally kicking off George Wallace Jr's bid for the office of lieutenant governor in Montgomery, Ala.
Keep going to see some of the
... more
Photo: ROB CARR, AP
What the TSA found in travelers' bags in 2016
Transportation Security Administration officials found all sorts of sharp, incendiary and explosive devices this year at airports around the country. We've compiled a list of the zaniest contraband discovered in 2016.
Keep clicking to see our picks. less
What the TSA found in travelers' bags in 2016
... more
Photo: File/TSA
Jan. 1 - 7
All of the knives pictured were discovered in a traveler's carry-on bag at IAH.
Jan. 1 - 7
All of the knives pictured were discovered in a traveler's carry-on bag at IAH.
Photo: File/TSA
Jan. 1 - 7
This gas-powered chain saw emitting fuel vapors was discovered in a checked bag at Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Chain saws can only be packed in checked baggage if they’re empty of all fuel and cleaned so that no fuel vapors or residue are noticeable. If fuel vapors are noticeable, it will be considered a hazardous material and will be removed from checked baggage by the airline.
less
Jan. 1 - 7
This gas-powered chain saw emitting fuel vapors was discovered in a checked bag at Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Chain saws can only be packed in checked baggage if they’re empty of all fuel and cleaned
... more
Photo: File/TSA
Feb. 12 - 18
Clockwise from the top, these items were discovered in carry-on bags at LAS, AUS, AUS, IAH, PHX, IAH and TYR.
Feb. 12 - 18
Clockwise from the top, these items were discovered in carry-on bags at LAS, AUS, AUS, IAH, PHX, IAH and TYR.
Photo: File/TSA
Feb. 26 - March 3
The Katana swords were discovered in a carry-on bag at IAH, and the machete was found in a carry-on on bag at JFK.
Feb. 26 - March 3
The Katana swords were discovered in a carry-on bag at IAH, and the machete was found in a carry-on on bag at JFK.
Photo: File/TSA
March 11 - 17
An oversized bottle of liquor was detected in a carry-on bag at Detroit (DTW). Not only was the large bottle of liquor prohibited, but so were the five dead endangered seahorses that were inside the bottle. Michigan Fish and Game responded and confiscated the bottle.
less
March 11 - 17
An oversized bottle of liquor was detected in a carry-on bag at Detroit (DTW). Not only was the large bottle of liquor prohibited, but so were the five dead endangered seahorses that were inside
... more
Photo: File/TSA
March 11 - 17
An item with an organic mass and protruding wires triggered an alarm resulting in a bag search at New York Kennedy (JFK). The suspicious item ended up being what the traveler described as abstract art. DIY art and electronic projects can look a lot like explosives. Please keep this in mind when packing your bags and possibly consider shipping the item instead of packing it.
less
March 11 - 17
An item with an organic mass and protruding wires triggered an alarm resulting in a bag search at New York Kennedy (JFK). The suspicious item ended up being what the traveler described as abstract
... more
Photo: File/TSA
March 25 - 31
A throwing star was discovered in a carved-out compartment in a wooden cellphone case at Ontario (ONT).
March 25 - 31
A throwing star was discovered in a carved-out compartment in a wooden cellphone case at Ontario (ONT).
Photo: File/TSA
April 1 - 7
All of these items were discovered in a carry-on bag at the Gillette–Campbell County Airport (GCC) in Wyoming.
April 1 - 7
All of these items were discovered in a carry-on bag at the Gillette–Campbell County Airport (GCC) in Wyoming.
Photo: File/TSA
April 22 - 28
A powder horn full of black powder was discovered in a carry-on bag at Albuquerque (ABQ). Black powder and all other forms of gun powder are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
less
April 22 - 28
A powder horn full of black powder was discovered in a carry-on bag at Albuquerque (ABQ). Black powder and all other forms of gun powder are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked
... more
Photo: File/TSA
May 6 - 12
All of these prohibited items were discovered this week in a traveler's carry-on bag at LaGuardia (LGA).
May 6 - 12
All of these prohibited items were discovered this week in a traveler's carry-on bag at LaGuardia (LGA).
Photo: File/TSA
May 20 - 26
Clockwise from the top, these items were discovered in carry-on bags at IAH, SAN, EWR, JFK, TPA, CHS and PVD
May 20 - 26
Clockwise from the top, these items were discovered in carry-on bags at IAH, SAN, EWR, JFK, TPA, CHS and PVD
Photo: File/TSA
June 10 - 16
150 rounds of 9mm ammunition were discovered concealed in a power supply in a checked bag. Ammunition is permitted in checked baggage when packed properly.
June 10 - 16
150 rounds of 9mm ammunition were discovered concealed in a power supply in a checked bag. Ammunition is permitted in checked baggage when packed properly.
Photo: File/TSA
June 24 - 30
These fireworks were discovered in a carry-on bag this week at Piedmont Triad (GSO). Fireworks are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage. Read our 4th of July Travel Tips for more info.
June 24 - 30
These fireworks were discovered in a carry-on bag this week at Piedmont Triad (GSO). Fireworks are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage. Read our 4th of July Travel Tips for more info.
Photo: File/TSA
July 1 - 14
(L-R) These hatchets were discovered in carry-on bags at Burbank (BUR), Billings (BIL) and Anchorage (ANC).
July 1 - 14
(L-R) These hatchets were discovered in carry-on bags at Burbank (BUR), Billings (BIL) and Anchorage (ANC).
Photo: File/TSA
July 29 - Aug. 4
One of the 68 firearms discovered in carry-on bags this week was a printed firearm. It was assembled with parts made from a 3D printer. While it was a realistic replica, it was loaded with live ammunition. This was a good catch from the TSA team at Reno (RNO)! While firearms are permitted in checked baggage, we strongly suggest making yourself familiar with local laws prior to flying with a printed firearm.
less
July 29 - Aug. 4
One of the 68 firearms discovered in carry-on bags this week was a printed firearm. It was assembled with parts made from a 3D printer. While it was a realistic replica, it was loaded with live
... more
Photo: File/TSA
Aug. 5 - 11
A knife was discovered concealed in a pill bottle at San Francisco (SFO). All knives are prohibited and concealed knives can lead to fines and arrest.
Aug. 5 - 11
A knife was discovered concealed in a pill bottle at San Francisco (SFO). All knives are prohibited and concealed knives can lead to fines and arrest.
Photo: File/TSA
Sept. 23 - 29
These 5-bladed floggers were discovered in a carry-on bag at Houston (IAH). All bladed items should be packed in checked baggage.
Sept. 23 - 29
These 5-bladed floggers were discovered in a carry-on bag at Houston (IAH). All bladed items should be packed in checked baggage.
Photo: File/TSA
Sept. 23 - 29
You can’t see it, but underneath the modeling clay and duct tape is a loaded 9mm firearm inside of a computer. It was discovered in a checked bag at Houston (IAH). Firearms are permitted in checked bags, but they have to be declared, unloaded and properly packed. You can go here for more details on how to properly travel with your firearms.
less
Sept. 23 - 29
You can’t see it, but underneath the modeling clay and duct tape is a loaded 9mm firearm inside of a computer. It was discovered in a checked bag at Houston (IAH). Firearms are permitted in
... more
Photo: File/TSA
Oct. 7 - 13
Clockwise from the top, the pictured items were discovered in carry-on bags at: LGA, BNA, LAS, SAN, DTW and LYH.
Oct. 7 - 13
Clockwise from the top, the pictured items were discovered in carry-on bags at: LGA, BNA, LAS, SAN, DTW and LYH.
Photo: File/TSA
Oct. 14 - 20
This pen-knife was discovered in a carry-on bag at Kansas City (MCI). All knives are prohibited. Concealed knives can lead to fines and arrest. All knives must be packed in checked bags.
Oct. 14 - 20
This pen-knife was discovered in a carry-on bag at Kansas City (MCI). All knives are prohibited. Concealed knives can lead to fines and arrest. All knives must be packed in checked bags.
Photo: File/TSA
Nov. 14 - 20
A one-pound container of black powder (gun powder) was discovered in a checked bag at Bozeman (BZN). Black powder is strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Nov. 14 - 20
A one-pound container of black powder (gun powder) was discovered in a checked bag at Bozeman (BZN). Black powder is strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Photo: File/TSA
Nov. 21 - 27
This replica flashbang grenade (containing hot sauce) was discovered in a carry-on bag at Kahului (OGG). Anything resembling a bomb or grenade is prohibited from both carry-on and checked bags. We don’t know grenades are inert until our explosives professionals take a closer look, and that takes time and slows down the line. It can even lead to a complete shutdown and evacuation.
less
Nov. 21 - 27
This replica flashbang grenade (containing hot sauce) was discovered in a carry-on bag at Kahului (OGG). Anything resembling a bomb or grenade is prohibited from both carry-on and checked bags. We
... more
Photo: File/TSA
Nov. 28 - Dec. 4
Clockwise from the top, the knives were discovered in carry-on bags at BUF, IAH, CLE, SBA, BWI, TUL, SAN, BUR and BZN.
Nov. 28 - Dec. 4
Clockwise from the top, the knives were discovered in carry-on bags at BUF, IAH, CLE, SBA, BWI, TUL, SAN, BUR and BZN.
Photo: File/TSA
Dec. 4 - 11
Clockwise from the top: Batarang (PVD), Comb Knife (SJC), Knife (RIC), Dagger (SAN) and Gun Knife (DSM)
Dec. 4 - 11
Clockwise from the top: Batarang (PVD), Comb Knife (SJC), Knife (RIC), Dagger (SAN) and Gun Knife (DSM)
Photo: File/TSA
FILE - In this Feb. 18, 2006 file photo, Rick Derringer performs during a campaign rally kicking off George Wallace Jr's bid for the office of lieutenant governor in Montgomery, Ala. Derringer has pleaded guilty, Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, and agreed to pay a $1,000 fine after stepping off a Delta Air Lines flight from Mexico with a loaded handgun in Atlanta’s airport.
less
FILE - In this Feb. 18, 2006 file photo, Rick Derringer performs during a campaign rally kicking off George Wallace Jr's bid for the office of lieutenant governor in Montgomery, Ala. Derringer has pleaded
... more
Photo: ROB CARR, AP
'Real American' singer guilty: kept gun on plane, in airport
ATLANTA (AP) — Rock guitarist Rick Derringer has pleaded guilty and agreed to pay a $1,000 fine after stepping off a Delta Air Lines flight from Mexico with a loaded handgun in Atlanta's airport.
Derringer told a federal air marshal he kept his gun with him on commercial airline flights 30 to 50 times a year, and never before had a problem carrying it through airport checkpoints, prosecutors said.
TSA spokesman Mark Howell said earlier that the agency investigates such statements when it can, but there's no way to substantiate claims dating back years.
In 2015, some U.S. Congress members said fake weapons, explosives and other contraband went unnoticed in 67 out of 70 tries — about 96 percent of the time — at TSA airport checkpoints.
Derringer's plea this week involves a single charge: Carrying a Kel-Tec pistol on an airplane and in a secure area of Atlanta's airport on Jan. 9.
"It was just a mistake, a simple human mistake," said Kenn Moutenot, his manager and the drummer in The Rick Derringer Band. Nothing like it will happen again, "not even a water pistol," he said Friday.
Air passengers are allowed to bring guns as checked baggage only. The unloaded firearms must be in locked, hard-sided containers that are declared to the airline when checked, according to the TSA. Ammunition also is prohibited in carry-on bags.
Derringer, 69, of Bradenton, Florida, sang the 1965 hit "Hang on Sloopy" and later recorded "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo."
Derringer has also been a writer and producer, helping to shape the careers of artists including Cyndi Lauper, Steely Dan and "Weird Al" Yankovic, and he's not done yet, embarking on a nationwide tour next month, Moutenot said.
Derringer is now working on a remake of his 1980s song "Real American," which has been used as theme music by pro wrestler Hulk Hogan and presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. He's hoping the new version and its music video will transcend politics and bring the nation together, Moutenot said.