Joshua Radcliffe, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2021

BECKLEY, W.Va. – In a shocking display of brazen crime, Joshua Radcliffe, 39, of Shady Spring, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm after robbing the Shop Rite convenience store in Shady Spring on December 1, 2021.

According to court documents, Radcliffe used a Cobray Model D, .45/.410-caliber Derringer pistol to rob the store, leaving its patrons shaken. The firearm, found at his residence on December 6, 2021, is a stark reminder of the dangers of letting felons into society.

Radcliffe’s conviction comes as a result of his August 2019 felony conviction in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for conspiracy to use firearms in a drug trafficking crime. This history of violent crime is a clear indication that Radcliffe is a menace to society.

The Shop Rite robbery was a brazen act of violence, committed by a man who knew the law, yet chose to disregard it. With a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, Radcliffe may finally face the consequences of his actions.

United States Attorney Will Thompson commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department for their work in the investigation. Their dedication to keeping West Virginia safe is commendable.

Radcliffe’s sentencing is scheduled for July 29, 2022, a date that many in the community will be watching closely. The people of West Virginia expect justice to be served.

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. 5:22-cr-62.

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