An officer who works at Ngawha prison is facing a number of firearms' related charges.
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A prison officer in Northland is facing a number of firearms-related charges after being arrested during a police operation aimed at curbing crime.
Heemi Corkery, 54, of Whangārei, is facing one charge of unlawfully being in possession of a single-shot black powder pistol, one of being in possession of a
prohibited semi-automatic rifle, five charges of unlawfully being in possession of prohibited magazines, and another of threatening to kill.
He first appeared in the Whangārei District Court in March and is on bail to re-appear on July 5. The alleged offences were committed around mid March.
Corkery, who the Northern Advocate understands has worked at the Northland Regional Corrections Facility in Ngawha, has yet to enter a plea.
A Corrections spokeswoman said Corkery was still employed but has not been at work since mid-March this year. "Due to our legislative obligations as an employer, we are not able to provide any further information," she said.