HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Stephen Hite Whitt, 30, of Scottown, Ohio, is headed to federal prison for two and a half years after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentencing, handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers, sends a clear message: criminals with a history aren’t getting a second chance to arm themselves in this state.
According to court documents, Whitt pawned a series of rifles at Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry on 29th Street in Huntington during a short period in June 2014. On June 21st, he traded a Marlin Model 60, .22 caliber rifle for a paltry $50.00. He wasn’t finished. Over the next ten days, Whitt pawned a Marlin Model .30-30 rifle, a Glenfield Model 60, .22 rifle, and an Old Colony single shot 12-gauge shotgun – all while knowing he was legally barred from owning any of them.
The problem? Whitt had a criminal record. Back in 2007, he was convicted of two counts of entering without breaking in Cabell County Circuit Court. That conviction stripped him of his Second Amendment rights, a fact he conveniently ignored when he walked into Tri-State Pawn. It wasn’t about needing the money; it was about blatant disregard for the law, according to sources close to the investigation.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) spearheaded the investigation, meticulously tracing the firearms and uncovering Whitt’s prior conviction. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting the evidence that led to Whitt’s guilty plea and subsequent sentencing. The ATF isn’t playing around; they’re actively targeting individuals who try to circumvent gun laws.
United States Attorney Carol Casto emphasized that this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing gun violence by bolstering local efforts to combat gun crime. It’s a program that focuses on identifying and prosecuting the most dangerous offenders, and Whitt clearly falls into that category. This isn’t just about taking guns off the street; it’s about holding repeat offenders accountable.
Whitt’s 30-month sentence serves as a stark warning to others contemplating similar crimes. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to crack down on gun violence in West Virginia and beyond. The streets are a little safer tonight, but the fight is far from over. Follow us on Twitter @SDWVNews for the latest updates.
Related Federal Cases
- Preston County Felon Scott Thomas Gets 41 Months for Gun Possession · West Virginia
- Ohio Man Whitt Cops to Gun Charges in Huntington · West Virginia
- Ohio Man Copped Gun Charge, Gets 46 Months · West Virginia
- Ohio Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession in W. Virginia · West Virginia
- Felon Gray Gets 16 Months for Gun Possession · Georgia
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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