Violent Career Criminal Sentenced to a Decade in Federal Prison for Possession of Sawed-Off Shotgun

EVANSVILLE- Glenn Taylor Tenbarge, 35, of Evansville, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, on December 30, 2023, an Evansville Police Department officer stopped Tenbarge for committing traffic violations while driving a truck. When the officer approached the driver’s side, Tenbarge began acting nervously and leaning forward in his seat, attempting to block the officer’s view of the right side of his body. The officer asked Tenbarge if he had a weapon, to which Tenbarge responded, “it’s not mine but yes.”

When the officer asked Tenbarge to step out of the truck, a short barrel shotgun with a wooden grip could be seen in the seat of the vehicle. The barrel appeared to be modified and possibly cut.

Tenbarge has sustained multiple prior felony convictions in Vanderburgh County, including two counts of attempted robbery, dealing in methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. Under federal law, these felony convictions prohibit him from ever legally possessing a firearm.  Under federal law, it is also unlawful to possess a short-barreled “sawed off” shotgun like the one possessed by Tenbarge.

“Illegally armed, repeat felons drive the gun violence plaguing our state,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the response by EPD and the work of ATF to protect the public from this dangerous criminal. The sentence imposed by the court demonstrates that those who illegally possess firearms risk serious federal time. Returning to prison isn’t worth it—put down the guns, or we will hold you accountable.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.  

U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.

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