Retired Staff Sergeant Timothy Payne is a decorated soldier who lost both legs during an IED blast in Afghanistan. 

His latest battle though is a criminal weapons charge in North Tonawanda.

He and his mother spoke exclusively with Spectrum News’ Fadia Patterson about the struggles he's faced and how they're both trying to help other veterans returning home.

Payne was arrested back in June after a search of his van in the North Tonawanda City Hall parking lot uncovered a loaded pistol, two loaded military-style rifles, about 400 rounds of ammunition, and what was believed to be an explosive device.

"I called the North Tonawanda Police and they told me, ‘He had a bomb in the car,’ and I said, ‘What are you talking about, he has no bomb in the car — he's not anything like that,’" said Payne's mother, Shirley Stanton. 

Later, authorities say the object was not a bomb, but since Payne did not have a valid New York state License to Carry, he was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, a violent felony. 

"I've never broken a law before," said Payne. "I served my country righteously with integrity, with fortitude, and never quit."

Prior to the incident, Payne had been living in North Carolina and traveled to Western New York with all of his belongings in the vehicle, including his weapons.

On June 25, 2019, Payne says he was trying to network and promote his business 'Chosen Leadership' that helps other veterans. In the past, Payne has done talks about his experience with post-traumatic stress disorder and life after losing both legs.

"War requires sacrifices," said Payne. "I went into the military knowing that, I knew that I probably would die, but I made it through and I'm alive, I'm trying to share the experience of how I cope." 

Stanton is also trying to help others cope. All four of her sons enlisted in the military. 

"I worked in Psychiatry, ECMC for many years," Stanton added.

After retiring, she pursued her master’s in health care management and is the 2019 Elizabeth Dole Caregiver Fellow for New York state and will be honored at the White House.

She's developing a peer group for caregivers of injured veterans in the region.

"The best way for anybody to come in and not get any stigma from mental health is to get involved with groups," said Stanton. "Groups that have people with similar experiences and can identify with what that person might be going through."

Payne underwent a mental evaluation at the Department of Veteran Affairs and was cleared.

A Niagara County judge released him into the care of his mother.

He is due back in Veterans Court later this month where he plans to fight to clear his name and get back to the work that matters most to the Purple Heart recipient.

"I've been trying to go and share what God has done in my life," said Payne.

"He is very passionate about what he does," added Stanton. "He is not crazy as some people say that he is, but he does want to go out there, he does want to change the world."