On June 20, 2016 Ernest Branham, age of 56, of Maywood, Missouri appeared before Judge Fred Westhoff for a scheduled preliminary hearing.  Mr. Branham was previously arrested by members of the Sheriff's Office and was subsequently charged with one count of domestic assault in the first degree, one count of armed criminal action and one count of unlawful use of a weapon.  During the hearing, the alleged victim, testified that Mr. Branham pointed a gun to her head while he was intoxicated.  Sergeant Jerrod Eisenberg testified that he located a handgun at the scene in Maywood, Missouri.   Judge Westhoff found probable cause that a crime had been committed and bound Mr. Branham over to the Circuit Court on all three counts.  His next court appearance is pending.