Convicted Felon From Bel Air Who Shot Himself In The Leg Sentenced For Having A Gun

BEL AIR, MD — A man who police say lied about how he was shot and who is a convicted felon in possession of a firearm has been found guilty of several charges.

On Jan. 10, 2023, Harford County sheriff's deputies were called to the Bel Air home of John Thomas Preston, Jr., after receiving a report of a shooting. He had a gunshot wound on his left thigh that was an entry wound and an exit wound on his left shin. Detectives found a bullet in Preston's sock and a shell casing near an exterior side entrance to his home, according to the prosecution.

Preston told police he was followed home by a vehicle and shot by someone as he got out of his vehicle. But as he was questioned by detectives, he gave conflicting versions of his story and couldn't provide identifying information about the shooter or a vehicle. Detectives eventually determined that he had accidentally shot himself in the leg. Preston has prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and cannot own firearms per Maryland law.

A search warrant executed at his home uncovered a short-barreled shotgun with a scratched off serial number, a shell casing matching the one found outside, a Rossi .357 revolver and .45 caliber ammunition.

After a three-day trial, Preston was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a rifle or shotgun, making false statements to police and several related charges, according to Harford County State’s Attorney Alison Healey.