A Hurricane man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm, according to a recent court hearing.
Derrick Lee Racer, 38, was stopped by an officer with the St. Albans Police Department on March 2, 2020, for not wearing a helmet, in violation of city ordinances. During the stop, Racer admitted to having a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver on his person.
Racer further admitted that he knew he should not be carrying the firearm due to a 2005 felony conviction for attempted distribution of marijuana in Putnam County Circuit Court. At the time of the stop, Racer’s rights to possess a firearm had not been restored.
Racer faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 8, 2021. The charges stem from Racer’s possession of the firearm as a prohibited person.
The case was investigated by the St. Albans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the agencies involved.
United States District Court Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00095.
Related Federal Cases
- Robert Thomas, Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2023 · West Virginia
- Jason Lee Gordon, Prohibited Firearm Possession, WV 2024 · West Virginia
- Thomas, Felon in Possession, West Virginia 2026 · West Virginia
- Justin L. Saunders, Federal Gun Crime, West Virginia 2024 · West Virginia
- Jalen O. Thomas, Felon in Possession of Firearm, West Virginia 2023 · West Virginia
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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