A Fairmont woman is behind bars after being sentenced to 10 years in prison for violating federal firearms laws.
Rachel Sara Hardesty, 39, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for the unlawful possession of a firearm, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Prosecutors say Hardesty was on parole supervision when West Virginia Parole officers conducted a home visit and found a .32 caliber semi-automatic pistol during a search.
Drugs and drug paraphernalia were also discovered at the scene, and Hardesty is prohibited from having firearms due to prior felony convictions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided over the case, which highlights the ongoing struggle with gun violence and parole supervision in West Virginia.
The prosecution of Hardesty serves as a stark reminder of the consequences facing those who choose to ignore federal firearms laws and put public safety at risk.
As the Grimy Times continues to investigate and report on the complex issues surrounding gun crime, we will provide updates on this case and others like it.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia Parole office are working together to ensure public safety and hold accountable those who break the law.
The Grimy Times will continue to shine a light on these issues and provide in-depth reporting on the cases that matter most.
Related Federal Cases
- Weirton Man Sentenced for Unlawful Gun Possession · West Virginia
- Charleston Felon Quinones Admits to Gun Possession · West Virginia
- Fairmont Man Kyle Kuroski Gets 70 Months for Gun Possession · West Virginia
- Norman Charles Hilbert Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession · Virginia
- Charleston Felon Ronald Sayles Cuffed for Gun Possession · West Virginia
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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