DeRon Parrish, Aiding and Abetting, West Virginia 2019

Defendants Accused of Violating Federal Firearms Laws

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – DeRon Parrish and Andre Parrish, both of Morgantown, West Virginia, were arraigned today after being indicted by a federal grand jury in Clarksburg on May 7, 2019 on firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

According to the indictment, DeRon, age 31, and Andre, age 24, were each charged with one count of "Aiding and Abetting the Possession of a Stolen Firearm." DeRon was also indicted on one count of "Unlawful Possession of Firearm as Convicted Felon," while Andre was indicted on one count of "Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as Drug User."

DeRon and Andre, both prohibited from having a firearm, are accused of having three 12-gauge shotguns, suspected to be stolen, in Monongalia County in November 2018.

DeRon and Andre each face up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.

DeRon and Andre each face serious charges, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Aloi presided over the arraignment.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/monongalia-county-men-indicted-firearms-charges