A staff member for a Missouri state senator pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges in connection with a fight in March at a Jefferson City bar.
During a hearing before Cole County Associate Circuit Judge Cotton Walker, Jared Brown, 45, of Malden, pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a weapon and peace disturbance. Both are misdemeanor charges. Brown was placed on two years unsupervised probation and must complete alcohol and drug treatment.
As of Tuesday evening, Brown was still listed as a member of the staff of Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla.
Jefferson City police officers arrived at Spectator's Bar and Grill on High Street after the fight was broken up by an out-of-town police officer, according to a police probable cause statement.
Brown admitted to authorities he had consumed several drinks and was "highly intoxicated." He also admitted to getting into a fight and dropping a gun he had been carrying.
Brown also said he wished he had his weapon closer to him during the fight and he would have used it. He told police he carries it because he has received death threats because of his job with the senator's office, according to the report.
The victim in this case told officers Brown was standing over him while he was sitting and stated, "I will (expletive) kill you" while pointing what the victim described as a finger pistol at his head.
The weapon Brown was carrying was later identified as a 9mm Ruger pistol loaded with five rounds. He said the two started to push each other and the altercation intensified. The gun fell to the bar floor during the fight.
Authorities said video footage at the bar confirmed the victim's account of the events. What started the fight was not stated in the report.