State Sen. Donnie Trotter faces a March 12 trial on weapons charges. (Photo courtesy www.ilga.gov)

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO - A judge in Chicago has scheduled a March 12 trial date for an Illinois state senator accused of trying to board a flight with a gun and ammunition in his bag.

During a hearing yesterday, Judge Ann O'Donnell found probable cause to continue the case against Donne Trotter. He's facing a felony gun charge after being stopped by security at O'Hare International Airport last year.

Prosecutors say the Chicago Democrat told airport security he uses the handgun for his job with a security company and had forgotten it was in his bag.

After the hearing, defense attorney Thomas Durkin told reporters his client has a good case because the police officer who testified in court said he at first couldn't find the small gun in Trotter's garment bag.