John Felix Cathell, III, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2024

Local Man Charged with Unlawful Firearm Possession

A 55-year-old man from French Creek, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm in a shocking incident involving a neighbor's dog.

According to court documents, officers were called to a shooting at a home in Elkins, West Virginia. At the scene, John Felix Cathell, III, admitted to shooting his neighbor's dog. This reckless act has landed him in hot water with the law, as Cathell is prohibited from having firearms due to prior firearms convictions.

Following the shooting, officers searched Cathell's home and recovered multiple firearms, firearms parts, and ammunition. This discovery has led to a federal charge against Cathell, who now faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

A federal district court judge will ultimately determine Cathell's sentence, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christie Utt is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Upshur County Sheriff's Office investigated the incident, with U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presiding over the case.

Cathell's admission to the unlawful possession of a firearm has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many to wonder how such a reckless act could occur. As the case continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Cathell's actions have serious consequences.

Defendant's Information: John Felix Cathell, III, admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. The crime occurred in Elkins, West Virginia, with no exact date specified in the source. Cathell's prior firearms convictions led to his prohibition from owning firearms, which he flagrantly disregarded in this incident.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/upshur-county-man-admits-firearms-charge-3