Anthony Blackburn, 26, of Elkins, West Virginia, is behind bars after being sentenced to 19 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a stolen firearm. The conviction marks the latest stumble in a criminal path that began nearly a decade ago with domestic violence.
According to court records, in April 2016, Blackburn was found in possession of two firearms: a 9mm pistol and a .380 caliber pistol—both reported stolen. Despite having no legal right to carry, he kept the weapons without registration or permit, fueling federal charges under the Gun Control Act.
The core of the case hinged on Blackburn’s 2009 conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence in Randolph County Magistrate Court—a disqualifying offense that stripped him of the right to own or possess firearms. That prior conviction turned what might have been a state-level offense into a federal crime.
Blackburn pleaded guilty in December 2016 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” admitting he knowingly handled and retained stolen weapons despite his barred status. No evidence suggested the guns were used in a violent crime, but federal law makes no distinction when felons or prohibited persons handle firearms.
The investigation was led by the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department, agencies that continue to crack down on illegal weapons trafficking across rural West Virginia. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case, arguing for stiff penalties given Blackburn’s history.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey handed down the 19-month sentence, emphasizing the importance of enforcing federal gun laws for public safety. Blackburn will serve his time in federal custody, followed by supervised release.
Related Federal Cases
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- Norman Charles Hilbert Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession · Virginia
- Charleston Felon Ronald Sayles Cuffed for Gun Possession · West Virginia
- Gregory Scott Rinker Sentenced for Stolen Firearm Possession · West Virginia
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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