Demetrius McKinney, Possession of Weapon at FCI McDowell, West Virginia 2024

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. - A shocking turn of events at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell has left officials reeling. Demetrius McKinney, 45, an inmate at the facility, pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 24, 2024, McKinney was involved in an altercation while an inmate at FCI McDowell. After the altercation, an FCI McDowell staff member conducted a search of McKinney and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a 'shank' in his right front pants pocket. The shank was a piece of metal about six and a half inches long, with one end sharpened to a point and a cloth handle on the other end.

McKinney is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case.

As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that McKinney's actions were a serious breach of prison protocol. The possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison is a felony offense, punishable by up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk within our nation's prisons. It is our duty as a society to ensure that those who break the law are held accountable for their actions. In this case, Demetrius McKinney's actions have put himself and others at risk, and he will now face the consequences.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/inmate-pleads-guilty-possessing-weapon-fci-mcdowell-6