Federal grand jury indicts 3 men on weapons violations

BANGOR -Three men from central and northern Maine were indicted by a federal grand jury this week on weapons violations.

The indictments were handed up Tuesday, Aug. 7, at U.S. District Court in Bangor.

Timothy Pelotte, 42, of Oakland is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a person who previously had been committed to a mental institution. According to the indictment, Pelotte had been sent to a mental institution on April 9, 2000, but, on July 19, was found to possess a shotgun and a semi-automatic rifle. If convicted, he faces a maximum possible penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. He is free on bail.

Robert Gustin, 22, of Bangor was indicted on one count of making a false statement in connection with firearms records. According to the indictment, Gustin, on July 2, filled out a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms form at a pawn broker’s shop stating that he had not been convicted in court of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year. “In fact, he had been convicted of such a crime,” the indictment states. If convicted, Gustin faces a possible maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. An arrest warrant was requested.

Jeffrey Paul Barnard, 37, of Millinocket was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. According to the indictment, Barnard previously was convicted of assault on a police officer but, on Dec. 3, 2000, he possessed a bolt action rifle, a pump action shotgun and a semi-automatic rifle. He is in state custody.