Edward Leon Sowards, Gun Crime, West Virginia 2024

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – In a disturbing case of gun crime, Edward Leon Sowards, 35, of Hurricane, was sentenced to one year and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sowards admitted that he purchased a Taurus model Public Defender Judge Poly .45-caliber/.410-gauge revolver from an individual in June 2023. Sowards further admitted that he knew the individual had stolen the firearm. Sowards was later confronted about the stolen firearm being in his possession.

On June 21, 2023, Sowards met with the individual in a Hurricane parking lot and returned the firearm. Sowards admitted that he knew the serial number had been removed from the firearm at the time he returned it to the individual.

Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Sowards knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior conviction for domestic battery in Putnam County Magistrate Court on April 20, 2012.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the West Virginia State Police.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Edward Sowards, 35, of Hurricane, West Virginia, was sentenced for possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. The crime was committed in June 2023. Sowards received a prison sentence of one year and three months, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The program brings together law enforcement and community organizations to prevent violence and make neighborhoods safer.

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