John Miller, Gun Crimes, West Virginia 2021

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - In a disturbing display of gun violence, 23-year-old John Miller of Charleston, West Virginia, has been sentenced to 25 months in prison for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a firearm in a school zone, and discharge of a firearm in a school zone.

According to the United States Attorney's Office, on April 7, 2019, Miller visited Cabela's near Corridor G in Charleston, where he purchased a Taurus G2C 9 mm pistol. However, in his attempt to purchase the firearm, Miller falsely stated that he was not an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, despite being an unlawful user of and addicted to marijuana.

Miller's false statement was a serious offense, and his actions had severe consequences. Shortly after purchasing the firearm, he took it within a distance of 1,000 feet of Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School and discharged it during a drug deal.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation, which led to Miller's arrest and subsequent sentencing.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence, and Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani and former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders handled the prosecution.

Miller's case is a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the importance of enforcing federal firearms laws. As part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice's signature initiative to reduce gun violence, Miller's case highlights the need for increased coordination and information-sharing among federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes.

Miller's sentence serves as a warning to those who would misuse firearms and put innocent lives at risk. As the United States Attorney's Office continues to prosecute cases like Miller's, it is clear that the consequences of gun violence will be severe.

For more information about Project Guardian, please visit https://www.justice.gov/.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/three-men-charged-federal-gun-crimes-appear-court