⏱ 2 min read
Casey Rygh, a 47-year-old convicted double murderer from Minnesota, was caught with a loaded 9mm pistol in Mercer County, West Virginia, on August 25, 2025. Rygh, who was wanted for felony arrest warrants, was found to be in possession of the firearm despite being a felon. The arrest was made during Operation Rolling Waters, a warrant and fugitive sweep led by the U.S. Marshals Service. Rygh pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on July 27, 2026.
Rygh’s prior felony convictions include two counts of felony murder and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery in Logan County, West Virginia, dating back to 1997. As a result, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Despite this, Rygh was found with a loaded SCCY Model CPX-2 9mm pistol when he was captured.
Rygh is scheduled to be sentenced on November 9, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating violent crime and protecting communities.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Marshals Service (USMS). United States Attorney Moore Capito announced the guilty plea, commending the work of the investigative agencies involved.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: West Virginia
- Location: WV
- Source: DOJ Press Release
