William M. Johnson, Jr., False Statement to Acquire Firearm, West Virginia 2018

Johnson Indicted for Firearms Violation, West Virginia 2018

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – William M. Johnson, Jr., 30, of McMechen, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury for a firearms violation, announced United States Attorney Bill Powell.

Johnson, a resident of Marshall County, is accused of making a false statement when purchasing a firearm in August 2018 in Ohio County. According to the indictment, Johnson claimed the .40 caliber pistol was for his use, when, in fact, he purchased it for a convicted felon.

The indictment charges Johnson with one count of ‘False Statement to Acquire Firearm,’ which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the matter.

Johnson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone for his initial appearance in federal court. An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to address the root causes of crime.

Johnson’s case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and preventing the flow of firearms into the hands of convicted felons. The community can rest assured that federal authorities are working tirelessly to combat violent crime and ensure public safety.

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