Handgun stolen from Tarpon Springs legislator found in wanted felon's waistband

ST. PETERSBURG — A handgun stolen months ago from a Tarpon Springs state legislator was recovered in the waistband of a wanted felon Thursday.

The laser-sighted 9mm Glock with extended magazine was stolen May 13 from the car of state Rep. Pete Nehr, R-Tarpon Springs.

How it made its way to Elvis Leon Weaver, 20, of 3800 12th Ave. S is unknown.

Weaver was already wanted on warrants for previous charges when a tipster told police where they could find him. An unmarked police car stopped the 2009 Chevrolet Impala in which Weaver sat at 2430 34th St. S. Police said they found the drugs in the car and the gun in Weaver's waistband. The serial number on the gun matched the one Nehr reported stolen, police said.

Weaver was arrested on charges of dealing in stolen property, carrying a concealed firearm, failure to appear and three drug possession counts, posted $24,663 bail and was released from the Pinellas County Jail.

Tarpon Springs police detectives had not yet determined who they think stole the gun or how it got to Weaver, said Lt. Barb Templeton. They also are not yet sure if it was used in any crimes. Nehr's gun will be returned to him after the investigation, Templeton said.

Nehr reported the gun missing May 15. He told police he keeps it in the center console of his vehicle and waited two days to report the crime because he thought he might have left it at his home or office. A money clip containing $100 and several credit cards were undisturbed in the console, he said.