Matthew J. Duncan, Unlawful Firearm Possession, WV 2024

Two Lewis County residents have admitted to illegally possessing firearms, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today. Matthew J. Duncan, 24, of Weston, West Virginia, and Crystal Dawn Roth, 39, of Walkersville, West Virginia, both pleaded guilty to federal firearms charges in Clarksburg.

Duncan admitted to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” admitting he possessed a pistol, a rifle, and a shotgun in March 2021 in Braxton County. As a convicted felon, Duncan is prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law. His guilty plea was entered today in federal court.

Roth also pleaded guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” admitting she possessed a revolver during the same timeframe and location. Like Duncan, Roth is a prohibited person due to prior criminal convictions, making her possession of the firearm a federal crime.

Both defendants now face up to 10 years of federal incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence will depend on the severity of the offenses and their criminal histories, which will be assessed prior to sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Braxton County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the federal government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over the proceedings. Sentencing for both Matthew J. Duncan and Crystal Dawn Roth has been scheduled for a later date.