Mustafa A. Baker, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2024

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – In a shocking turn of events, two West Virginia men have admitted to federal firearms offenses, bringing the community one step closer to safety.

Mustafa A. Baker, a 54-year-old resident of Wheeling, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, Baker was wanted on outstanding warrants of brandishing and destruction of property. Wheeling Police officers pulled over Baker’s vehicle and found a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition. Baker is prohibited from having firearms because of eight prior felony convictions in Virginia, including drug possession, 3rd offense DUI, felony domestic assault, and felony assault and battery.

Baker’s reckless actions put the lives of innocent people at risk. His guilty plea is a significant step towards holding him accountable for his crimes.

Meanwhile, Michael Douglas Murphy, Jr., a 38-year-old resident of Hedgesville, West Virginia, also pled guilty to making a false statement in applications for a firearm. According to court documents, Murphy falsified a form when purchasing a firearm at the licensed dealer in Martinsburg, claiming the firearm was for his personal use, when in fact, the firearm was for another individual who was prohibited by law from possessing firearms.

Investigative agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; and the Wheeling Police Department, worked tirelessly to bring these cases to justice.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kyle, also with the Brooke County Prosecutor’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.

The guilty pleas of Baker and Murphy serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding gun laws and holding individuals accountable for their actions.

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