Goodwin Announces Indictment Of Mingo County Man On Illegal Firearm Possession Charges

Maynard is accused in the April 2013 shooting death of Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Tennis Maynard, 37, of Delbarton, Mingo County, W.Va., has been indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston with possession of a firearm by an individual who had been committed to a mental institution and making a false statement in acquisition of a firearm.  Maynard is accused in the April 2013 shooting death of Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum. 

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “My office remains thoroughly committed to keeping guns out of the hands of individuals who cannot legally have them.”

According to the 10-count indictment, Maynard allegedly made a false statement on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473 (or Form 4473) on five separate occasions. 

The indictment also alleges that Maynard possessed a firearm on five separate occasions.  At all of the times the defendant allegedly possessed a firearm, he had previously been committed to a mental institution. 

Maynard faces up to 75 years in prison if he is convicted. 

The investigation is being conducted by the ATF.  Assistant United States Attorney Steven Loew is in charge of the prosecution. 

A Form 4473 is a form that an individual must complete when a firearm is purchased from a federally licensed firearms dealer.  Making a false statement on this form is a felony.  

The case is being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Click here to view a copy of the indictment