CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joe Orville Fooce, III, 44, of Charleston, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
Fooce had previously pleaded guilty to possession of the firearm with a barrel length less than 18 inches and an overall length under 26 inches. The gun was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
U.S. Attorney Stuart emphasized, “I support the Second Amendment 100%, but criminals who possess guns are a threat to innocent people, law enforcement, and ultimately the Second Amendment. My office will continue working with law enforcement to prosecute those who do not respect gun laws.”
In July 2016, Fooce was found unresponsive at an intersection in South Charleston. The sawed-off shotgun, which he admitted had been modified from its original length, was discovered in his backpack.
Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution, and United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing gun crime by networking with local programs targeting such offenses.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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