JEFFERSON CITY • The chief of staff to a Missouri senator is scheduled to be in court April 19 to face two misdemeanor charges after his gun fell to the floor during a brawl at a downtown tavern.

Court records show Jared Brown, 45, was charged with unlawful use of a weapon and peace disturbance stemming from the March 7 incident at Spectator’s Bar and Grill.

If convicted, Brown could face up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

Jefferson City police said that during a barroom altercation, Brown’s 9 mm Ruger pistol loaded with five rounds fell to the floor. Brown later identified the firearm as his own. He told police he carries it because he has received death threats because of his job in the Senate.

Brown earns $65,000 annually as chief of staff to freshman Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla. He previously worked for Brown’s father, former Sen. Dan Brown of Rolla.

Sen. Brown earlier told the Associated Press that Jared Brown had been placed on leave to “get the help he needs.”