ROANOKE, VA – A Salem man is facing federal consequences after admitting to orchestrating the illegal sale of a machine gun. Billy James Carter, 45, of Salem, Virginia, pled guilty this week in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, according to Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle.
Carter didn’t handle the weapon himself – a tactic common among those trying to skirt the law. Instead, he directed his then-girlfriend to offload the highly illegal AK-47 style rifle to an acquaintance in Montgomery County. The transaction, which occurred in April 2016, netted $1,900 for the rifle – a steep price for a weapon that blends both semiautomatic and fully automatic firing capabilities.
The rifle wasn’t some antique relic; it was a fully functional machine gun, placing it under strict federal control. Unlicensed transfer of such a weapon carries significant penalties, and Carter’s attempt to use an intermediary didn’t shield him from prosecution. The feds don’t take kindly to individuals flooding the streets with weapons designed for rapid, devastating firepower.
Assistant United States Attorney Ashley B. Neese presented the evidence, painstakingly building the case against Carter. The prosecution demonstrated that Carter wasn’t merely present during the sale, but actively *directed* it, establishing his culpability. This wasn’t a case of ignorance or accidental involvement; it was a deliberate attempt to circumvent federal firearms laws.
The investigation was a joint effort, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. These agencies worked in tandem to unravel the scheme, identify the parties involved, and bring Carter to justice. The ATF’s expertise in firearms tracing and regulation proved crucial in connecting Carter to the illegal sale.
Billy James Carter pled guilty to one count of unlawfully transferring a firearm. Sentencing date has not been announced, but expect a substantial prison term. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley B. Neese will be handling the prosecution, and the Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the federal court system. This case serves as a stark reminder that attempting to bypass firearms regulations will result in federal charges.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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