Rico Joy, Possessing Homemade Weapon, West Virginia 2015

Felony Case: West Virginia Prisoner Pleads Guilty to Possessing Homemade Weapon

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. - In a shocking turn of events, a federal inmate pleaded guilty to possessing a homemade weapon in a federal prison.

Rico Joy, a 34-year-old inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell, located near Welch, West Virginia, admitted to possessing a handcrafted knife known as a 'shank' on April 21.

Joy, a convicted felon, is serving a 20-year sentence following his 2007 conviction in South Carolina for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The inmate faces up to 5 additional years in prison when he is sentenced on August 15, 2015, bringing his total sentence to 25 years.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John File.

A plea hearing was conducted by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.

As part of his guilty plea, Joy admitted to violating the terms of his prison sentence by possessing a weapon. The homemade knife, known as a 'shank,' is a significant concern for prison officials as it can be used as a deadly weapon.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by prison officials in maintaining order and security within the prison system.

As the case continues to unfold, Joy will face the consequences of his actions, and his fate will be decided by the court on August 15, 2015.

The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals within the prison system.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/federal-inmate-pleads-guilty-possessing-homemade-weapon-prison