Ohio Man Whitt Cops to Gun Charges in Huntington

Stephen W. Whitt, a 30-year-old from Scottown, Ohio, stood before the federal bench in Huntington today and admitted to illegally possessing and pawning four rifles despite being barred from owning firearms. Whitt pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge that carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine.

The crime unfolded in plain sight at Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry on 29th Street in Huntington. On June 21, 2014, Whitt walked in and pawned a Marlin Model 60, .22 caliber rifle for exactly $50.00. That wasn’t the end. Just one day later, and again on June 30, he returned with three more guns: a Marlin Model .30-30 rifle, a Glenfield Model 60 .22 rifle, and an Old Colony single shot 12-gauge shotgun—each handed over in exchange for cash.

Whitt’s criminal history sealed his fate under federal law. Prior to the pawning spree, he had been convicted in Cabell County Circuit Court on two counts of entering without breaking—a record that legally barred him from possessing any firearm. Federal authorities moved quickly once the trail of transactions was uncovered, leading to the indictment and eventual guilty plea.

U.S. Attorney Carol Casto, who announced the plea, didn’t mince words. “Individuals with felony convictions don’t get a pass when it comes to firearms,” she said. “Every illegal gun in circulation is a threat to public safety. This case underscores our commitment to holding violent offenders accountable.”

The plea was entered in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, where Chief Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Whitt showed no emotion as the charges were read aloud. His sentencing is scheduled for March 13, 2017, where he will face the full weight of federal sentencing guidelines.

Authorities are reminding the public that pawn shops are required to run background checks and maintain records of firearm transactions. While Tri-State Pawn acted within protocol, the case highlights how felons exploit loopholes by transferring weapons before pawning. Investigators say they’re reviewing similar cases across the region to stem the flow of illegal firearms through commerce channels.