MICHICOT, Wis., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- A Wisconsin man wrongly convicted of rape 20 years ago has been charged with weapons violations as part of a search for a missing woman.
Steven Avery, 43, who has a lengthy criminal record, was charged after two guns were found in his trailer as detectives searched for evidence involving a missing 25-year-old woman.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel said Avery has acknowledged Teresa Halbach, a 25-year-old photographer, visited his Michicot home Oct. 31, but says he denies any knowledge of her disappearance.
Investigators said some of the evidence they collected from property owned by Avery's family is of "human nature," which sparked Wednesday's search. The missing woman's vehicle was found at the salvage yard run by Avery's family, and 11 spent .22 caliber shell casings were found in Avery's garage.
Avery is suing Manitowoc County for $36 million for a 1985 wrongful conviction for rape, for which he served 18 years in jail before being exonerated by DNA evidence. Because of his other burglary and assault convictions, however, he is not allowed to possess firearms.
