PITTSBURGH – A Washington County man’s enthusiasm for firearms turned into a lengthy sentence, as a judge slapped him with nine months in prison for violating federal firearms laws.
Charles Merle Watson, 53, of Claysville, Pa., was found guilty of possessing and/or transferring a machine gun converted from a semi-automatic firearm at his Washington County home.
According to court documents, Watson was caught on hidden camera handling, firing, and transferring possession of the firearms on two separate occasions: February 11, 2011, and June 15, 2011.
Court records reveal that Watson’s employment at a sporting goods store should have given him knowledge of federal firearms laws, but he allegedly ignored them and conducted an ‘unlawful side business.’
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence after stating that Watson’s actions were unacceptable and that his enthusiasm for firearms had clouded his judgment.
Assistant United States Attorney Margaret E. Picking prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for their investigation, which led to the successful prosecution of Watson.
Watson’s nine-month sentence also includes 12 months of supervised release and the forfeiture of his firearms.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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