Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that ADAM RYAN CORNETT faces federal charges for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and two counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm.

CORNETT was named in a three-count indictment, returned by a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The indictment alleges that CORNETT possessed a firearm, after he was subject to a Domestic Violence Protective Order that by its terms explicitly prohibited the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against a person that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury whereby CORNETT possessed a firearm.  CORNETT was also charged with making false statements when completing forms to purchase firearms on two separate attempts, to which he stated he was not subject to a Domestic Violence Protective Order.

If convicted, CORNETT would face up to a maximum term of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine as to each of the three counts, and a term of up to three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith represents the government.