Joseph Wayne Shipman, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2017

Buckhannon Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearm

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia man has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm, announced United States Attorney Bill Powell.

Joseph Wayne Shipman, 44, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in January 2017. Shipman, who had previously been convicted of a felony offense in Upshur County, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He admitted to possessing multiple firearms in December 2016 in Upshur County, West Virginia.

Shipman's history of felony offenses left him ineligible to possess firearms under federal law. Despite this, he chose to possess multiple firearms in his possession, putting himself and others at risk.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the sentencing hearing.

Shipman's sentence is a stark reminder that violating federal laws regarding firearms can have serious consequences. As U.S. Attorney Bill Powell noted, 'The sentence imposed on Mr. Shipman reflects the seriousness of his offense and the need to hold individuals accountable for violating federal laws.'

Shipman's case serves as a warning to those who would similarly choose to disregard federal laws regarding firearms. The consequences can be severe, and the risks to oneself and others are significant.

The case is a reminder that the federal government takes violations of firearms laws seriously and will aggressively prosecute those who choose to disregard these laws.

Joseph Wayne Shipman, Defendant, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Elkis, West Virginia 1/2017, 46 months imprisonment.

Defendant's full name: Joseph Wayne Shipman

Criminal charges: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

City and state: Buckhannon, West Virginia

Exact date: January 2017

Sentence: 46 months imprisonment

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/upshur-county-man-sentenced-illegal-possession-firearm