Russell Cary Owens, 51, of Thomasville, North Carolina, admitted in federal court to possessing a cache of weapons he was legally forbidden from owning—over ten firearms found stashed in Monongalia County, West Virginia, in June.
Owens, previously convicted of a felony in Texas, is classified as a prohibited person under federal law. Despite that status, he was found in possession of the arsenal during a targeted investigation that culminated in a June seizure by federal agents.
He pled guilty to one count of “Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm,” a charge that carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The conviction was announced by United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation, tracing the origin and storage of the weapons tied to Owens.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over the plea hearing in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Sentencing will be determined under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, factoring in the severity of the offense and Owens’ prior criminal record.
Owens remains in federal custody pending sentencing. The case underscores ongoing federal enforcement against felons illegally trafficking or hoarding firearms across state lines.
Related Federal Cases
- Ohio County Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm Possession · West Virginia
- Justin Paul Crofford Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession · West Virginia
- Huntington Felon Cops Plea in Firearm Possession Case · North Carolina
- Jason Garcia Cano Gets 27 Months for Firearm Possession · West Virginia
- NC Man Sentenced for Gun Possession in WV · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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