BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — A Martin County man accused of threatening to cause death or serious injury to an elementary school principal last fall just struck a deal to avoid prosecution, provided he sticks to the court’s rules for the next two years.

Gwyan Horn of Inez, indicted in October 2023 for threatening Eden Elementary School Principal Shane Stafford during school dropoff, entered into a diversion agreement with the Martin Circuit Court on Thursday.

The contract terms are clear: if Horn complies, the charge will be dismissed.

The court’s conditions include strict adherence to mental health treatment, a ban on contact with the principal, his family, and all Martin County Board of Education properties.

For Horn, any misstep could mean the deal is off—and the charge back on.