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INDIVIDUAL CHARGED WITH OBSTRUCTION OF COURT

WASHINGTON D.C.-A federal grand jury in Las Vegas today indicted an individual who failed to disclose a previous drug conviction on his resume as he sought to qualify as an expert witness in a court martial proceeding in 1995.

The two count indictment charges Gary Duane Branum, 53, with charges of obstruction of proceedings and perjury. Branum, a chemist, is currently living in Witchita, Kansas, and was a former Las Vegas resident during the offense.

According to the indictment, Branum attempted to influence, obstruct and impede a pending proceeding by fabricating his resume to gain employment as an expert witness in forensic toxicology in a general court-martial proceeding at Nellis Air Force Base.

The indictment further charges that Branum's resume concealed his conviction and two-year prison term with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from January 14, 1983 to February 1, 1985. In 1983, Branum was convicted of selling methamphetamine. Branum testified under oath during the general court-martial proceeding that his resume was accurate and up to date, causing it to be admitted in evidence and published before the jury.

The charges of obstruction of proceedings and perjury each carry a potential penalty of a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment not more than five years, or both.

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