BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Raleigh County man, Justin L. Saunders, 33, of Mabscott, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 30, 2023, law enforcement officers arrested Saunders on a felony warrant. During the arrest, officers found a Ruger model EC9s 9mm handgun on Saunders, a man with a history of violence.
It’s no secret that Saunders knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for first-degree robbery and malicious wounding in Raleigh County Circuit Court on June 5, 2012.
The case against Saunders was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, who commendably brought him to justice.
The plea agreement stems from a May 2023 arrest, in which Saunders was found to be in possession of a firearm, a clear violation of federal law that prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from owning or possessing firearms.
Justin Saunders is scheduled to be sentenced on September 6, 2024, before United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian D. Parsons and Andrew D. Isabell are prosecuting the case.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement, praising the work of law enforcement and the ATF in bringing this case to a successful close.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-185.
Related Federal Cases
- Jalen O. Thomas Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of Firearm · West Virginia
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm: Aric J. Stutler Pleads Guilty · West Virginia
- Fairmont Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a Firearm · West Virginia
- Felon in Possession: Charleston Man Caught with Gun, Meth · West Virginia
- Felon in Possession: Danville Man Faces 15 Years for Gun Crime · West Virginia
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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