Jose Soto-Ramirez, Possession of a Knife, Virginia 2021

A federal jury in Virginia has convicted an inmate of illegally possessing a knife inside the United States Penitentiary (USP) Lee in Jonesville, Virginia.

Jose Soto-Ramirez, 34, was found to be in possession of a 12-inch-long handmade knife while housed as an inmate at the prison.

The conviction came on June 1, after a federal jury deliberated on the evidence presented in court. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for September 7, 2021.

Soto-Ramirez faces up to five years in prison for his crime.

Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar of the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.

The Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Ramseyer and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christine Hummert are prosecuting the case.

Jose Soto-Ramirez, a 34-year-old inmate at United States Penitentiary (USP) Lee, was found guilty of possessing a 12-inch-long handmade knife. He faces up to five years in prison.

This conviction is a stark reminder that prisons take security very seriously, and any attempts to smuggle weapons will be met with severe consequences.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/pr/federal-inmate-found-guilty-possessing-foot-long-knife