A former Cedar Rapids city employee who brought a shotgun into a city building last August will not serve any prison time.

Russell Howard, 42, pleaded guilty to unauthorized possession of offensive weapons, a felony, and carrying weapons--an aggravated misdemeanor.

The former nuisance abatement officer worked in the City Services Building. Howard brought a shotgun into his workplace triggering an evacuation and a police standoff.

He was fired by the city after his release from a hospital.

At his sentencing, the Howard's attorney told the judge his client "was not trying to hurt anybody but himself."

The judge noted the defendant had complied with every court order and had voluntarily sought treatment for mental health issues. The presentence report noted that Howard does not represent a danger to the community.

If Howard completes a two-year period of supervised probation, his felony conviction will be removed from court records.

When asked to speak, Howard said "I'm remorseful things should not have gone that far."

The judge also suspended any fines or restitution in the case.