Matthew Ian Haught, Lying to Law Enforcement, West Virginia 2023

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A local man has been sentenced for deceiving law enforcement officers.

Matthew Ian Haught, 33, of Follansbee, West Virginia, was sentenced to twelve months and one day in prison for making a false statement to law enforcement officers, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

This occurred during an interview with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives agents. Haught lied about how he came into possession of a stolen firearm. He later admitted to having stolen the firearm and to having possessed it before disposing of it. In February 2016, Haught pled guilty to one count of “False Statement to Law Enforcement.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the court proceedings.

Haught’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the trust placed in him by law enforcement. His sentence serves as a reminder that lying to authorities will be met with serious consequences.

Haught, 33, of Follansbee, West Virginia, is a convicted felon who will now face time in prison for his dishonest actions. The community can rest assured that those who break the law will be held accountable.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant's Full Name: Matthew Ian Haught

Criminal Charges: False Statement to Law Enforcement

City and State: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA

Exact Date: February 2016 (plea date), [no exact date mentioned for sentencing]

Sentence: Twelve months and one day in prison

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/brooke-county-man-sentenced-lying-law-enforcement-officers