Martin Anderson, Firearms Violation, West Virginia 2018

Defendant Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Martin Anderson, a 31-year-old man from New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to violating federal firearms laws after pleading guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

The offense occurred in June 2018 in Wetzel County, where Anderson was found to be in possession of a .223 caliber rifle and two .22 caliber rifles. As a person prohibited from having firearms, Anderson's actions are a serious offense, punishable by up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000.

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. Anderson's case is being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies and community organizations.

Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided over the case.

Anderson's guilty plea is a significant step towards justice in this case. The community can rest assured that the federal government is committed to enforcing laws and keeping our streets safe. This case serves as a reminder that those who commit serious crimes will be held accountable for their actions.

Martin Anderson, a resident of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to possessing a firearm despite being prohibited from doing so. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

The court has scheduled a sentencing hearing, but a date has not been announced. The outcome of the case will depend on the seriousness of the offense and Anderson's prior criminal history. The case highlights the importance of enforcing laws and keeping our communities safe.

This case is a prime example of the federal government's commitment to reducing violent crime. Through PSN, law enforcement agencies and community organizations work together to identify and address the root causes of crime. By focusing enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders, we can create safer communities for everyone.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/wetzel-county-man-admits-firearms-violation