Richard Wells, Aiding and Abetting in the Possession of Stolen Firearms, West Virginia 2023

West Virginia Man Convicted of Possession of Stolen Firearm

A Marion County man has been convicted of possession of a stolen firearm, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia.

Richard Wells, 22, of Baxter, West Virginia, was discovered in Lewis County, West Virginia in possession of a stolen .357 caliber revolver.

Wells pled guilty today to a criminal Information charging him with one count of ‘Aiding and Abetting in the Possession of Stolen Firearms.’

He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, 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 Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided over the case.

The conviction stems from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which uncovered the stolen firearm in Lewis County. Wells’ guilty plea and conviction serve as a reminder of the serious consequences of possessing stolen firearms.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle the flow of stolen firearms in the region.

RELATED: Lexington Hostage & Heat: Felon Faces Life Behind Bars

RELATED: Lexington Gunman Admits to Drug Trafficking, Hostage Scare

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Weapons

Lebron Earl Samuels, Possessing a Firearm as a Felon, Oklahoma 2024

Apr 8, 2026

Weapons

Chase Mead, Felon in Possession of Firearms, Iowa 2014

Feb 19, 2015

Weapons

Jesse Ross Duke, Theft of Firearms, West Virginia 2021

Mar 2, 2022

Weapons

Deshaun Tyrone Braziel, Illegal Firearm Possession, Illinois 2024

Sep 28, 2021