Ricky Steve John, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2024

Felon in Possession of a Firearm Lands Charleston Man in Hot Water

A Charleston man is facing serious charges after authorities discovered him in possession of a firearm. Ricky Steve John, 50, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 20, 2024, John possessed a Ruger model EC9 9mm semiautomatic pistol concealed in his pants in Charleston. This is a clear violation of federal law, which prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

John’s prior felony conviction for voluntary manslaughter in Kanawha County Circuit Court on July 21, 2016, makes him ineligible to possess a firearm. Despite this, he knowingly disregarded the law and possessed a firearm.

The case against John is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon. United States Attorney Will Thompson commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department-Special Enforcement Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

John faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2025. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence.

Ricky Steve John, 50, of Charleston, West Virginia, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2025.

The case highlights the importance of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together law enforcement and the community to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The program is built on four core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

John’s case is a stark reminder of the consequences of violating federal law. His actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and put the community at risk.

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