Terry Lee Powell, Stolen Firearm Sale, West Virginia 2015

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A shocking case of law enforcement corruption has come to light in Mason County, West Virginia, as former Mason County Deputy Terry Lee Powell, 42, of Point Pleasant, was sentenced to prison for selling a stolen World War II era Luger 9mm pistol.

According to the investigation, Powell seized the rare firearm during an investigation on July 4, 2015, but instead of logging it into evidence, he sold it for $2,500 to Eugene Asbury of Gallipolis Ferry.

Asbury, who had been involved in federal drug trafficking and money laundering charges, was sentenced to 63 months in prison in connection with the case.

United States Attorney Mike Stuart commended the efforts of the West Virginia State Police and the Mason County Sheriff’s Department in bringing Powell to justice.

“Powell violated the public’s trust and dishonored the law enforcement profession and his fellow officers when he chose to commit this crime,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The overwhelming majority of our law enforcement officers conduct themselves every day with the utmost integrity. The few law enforcement officers who abuse their power and authority and act unlawfully, must be prosecuted.”

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence, which includes five months in prison followed by six months of home confinement.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The sentencing was the result of a joint investigation between the West Virginia State Police and the Mason County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks.

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