COEUR d'ALENE - A 52-year-old Harpster, Idaho, man who had participated in anti-government militia training and meetings, was sentenced on Monday on a gun charge.

Steven E. Winegar was given eight months of house arrest and five years of probation by U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge.

Winegar pleaded guilty in December to illegal possession of a firearm. He admitted he was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his status as a marijuana addict.

Winegar gave a lengthy and tearful statement prior to the sentence, explaining his use of marijuana for medical purposes.

Winegar also must submit to searches of his property at any time by probation officials, Lodge ordered.

Winegar was ordered by the court to have no items in his possession that are commonly used to construct explosive devices. He's also prohibited from possessing firearms.

Winegar was originally indicted by a federal grand jury for manufacturing homemade grenades.

Winegar was arrested in Spirit Lake a year ago this month, along with co-defendant Kenneth B. Kimbley Jr., of Spirit Lake.

Kimbley, 59, described himself to an undercover federal investigator at the time as the leader of the militia called the "Brotherhood of American Patriots."

During Winegar's sentencing, Lodge said, "These groups are probably well intentioned, but are moving in the wrong direction."

Winegar denied being part of the militia.

Winegar benefited in his sentencing by having no prior criminal history, earning an honorable military discharge, and having multiple health problems.

Lodge didn't want to burden the federal government with taking care of Winegar if he was sent to prison. Winegar already had been under house arrest.

Prosecutors recommended Winegar receive a prison sentence of 10 to 16 months.

Kimbley pleaded guilty in November to illegal possession of a firearm and attempting to manufacture grenades.

Kimbley is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 8 in federal court. He faces up to 10 years in prison.