Elkins Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm Possession

Dale Lee Sharp, 45, of Elkins, West Virginia, pled guilty today to illegally possessing multiple firearms, marking the latest chapter in a federal weapons case tied to his prior felony conviction.

Sharp admitted in court to possessing a .380 caliber pistol, .270 caliber rifle, .30-30 caliber rifle, and a 12-gauge shotgun in February 2016. As a previously convicted felon in Randolph County, he is prohibited under federal law from owning or handling any firearm.

The case was announced by United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, who emphasized the seriousness of allowing armed individuals with criminal histories to remain unchecked. “This is not a hunting accident or a paperwork error,” Ihlenfeld stated. “This is a deliberate violation of federal law by someone who knows the rules and chose to ignore them.”

Sharp now faces up to ten years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the final sentence will be determined by the severity of the offenses and Sharp’s full criminal history.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner handled the prosecution. The investigation was led by the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional unit focused on dismantling illegal firearms networks and repeat offenders.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over the hearing in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date, with federal authorities vowing no leniency for those who arm themselves while barred by law.

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RELATED: Elkins Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Possession