Grand Old Police Blotter: Crank, Weapons and Whorin' Orrin Edition

A convicted Republican methamphetamine manufacturer has been arrested for purchasing firearms in violation of federal law.

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- One of the owners of the diet supplement company Metabolife has been charged in California with 12 counts of weapons violations.

The U.S. Attorney's office in San Diego said Monday Michael Lee Blevins and his wife, Danica, were charged with buying a rifle, shotgun and a handgun along with 500 rounds of ammunition using someone else's name.

Prosecutor Phil Halpern said the federal Brady Act prohibits former felons from purchasing firearms. Blevins has a 1988 conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine.

The defendants were released on a combined $1.1 million bond pending further proceedings.

In addition to his felony conviction, Mr. Blevins is a proud contributor to the Republican Party. In 1998, the FEC says (enter name here), Mr. Blevins contributed $500 to Utah Senator Orrin Hatch and $1,000 to a California Puglican, Brian Bilbray.

Will Whorin' Orrin, a former prosecutor, stand by his little crank buddy in his time of need?