BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — A Martin County grand jury issued an indictment Thursday against Anthony Michael Jude, 47, of Pilgrim, on several criminal charges.

The indictment comes after Jude’s arrest Jan. 31, allegedly in possession of a firearm despite a prior felony conviction.

Jude faces charges of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, persistent felony offender in the second degree, operating a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked license, and failure of owner to maintain required insurance.

According to the indictment, the specific firearm in question was identified as a Norinco brand semi-automatic handgun. Jude’s arrest and the subsequent charges stem from a violation of laws that prohibit felons from owning or handling firearms.

The grand jury’s decision to charge Jude as a persistent felony offender is due to his prior felony conviction being within five years of the instant felony charge.

Jude’s bail is $5,000 cash.