Lynds Found Guilty of Weapons Under Disability

MOUNT VERNON – Shad W. Lynds, 45, of Mount Vernon, was found guilty by a Knox County jury Wednesday on the charge of Having Weapons Under Disability, a third-degree felony. The jury heard evidence on Tuesday and deliberated for over two hours, then returned to Common Pleas Court to deliver a verdict after about two additional hours of deliberation.

 

The offense involves having a firearm after being previously convicted of a felony drug offense or offense of violence.  In this case, Mr. Lynds had a 2012 conviction for domestic violence.

 

The State of Ohio, represented by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys David Merrell and Christine Williams, presented several witnesses to a disturbance on August 13, 2016, when Mr. Lynds was accused of pointing a loaded handgun at his girlfriend.  The case included eyewitness testimony from an 11-year old girl who identified Mr. Lynds as having the weapon.  The handgun, a Hi-Point .380 pistol, was also entered into evidence.

 

Mr. Lynds was represented by Attorney Kristin Burkett, who presented the testimony of Lynds’ girlfriend, Jacqueline Price.  While on the stand, Price contradicted her prior accusations and said the firearm belonged to her.

 

The case was investigated by Mount Vernon Police Detective David McElroy, who was assisted by Det. Cpl. James DeChant and Ptl. Qade Lewis.

 

Judge Richard Wetzel ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set a sentencing date of September 28 for Lynds.  He faces a prison term of nine to thirty-six months and a fine of up to $10,000.