Former sheriff pleads to federal gun charge

United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley said today that former East Carroll Parish Sheriff Mark Wayne Shumate, 52, of Lake Providence pleaded guilty Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes, to aiding and abetting a felon in the possession of a firearm.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Shumate and a convicted felon went hunting January 8, 2014. Shumate knew the person accompanying him was barred from possessing and firing a firearm because of the companion’s status as a convicted felon.
Shumate faces up to 10 years in prison, one to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for one count of aiding and abetting a felon in possession of a firearm. Sentencing is set for July 7, 2014.