Scott Edward Snook, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2023

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a move that highlights the severity of federal gun laws, 47-year-old Scott Edward Snook of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

This sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. after a thorough investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Snook admitted to possessing a Hi-Point, Model C, 9mm semi-automatic pistol in Charleston on August 3, 2020. Furthermore, he admitted to possessing a .22-caliber rifle that had been modified to be less than 26 inches in length on the same date.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Snook knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his felony conviction for possession with intent to deliver heroin in Kanawha County Circuit Court on November 14, 2017.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the agencies involved in the case. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Blackwell prosecuted the case.

This case serves as a reminder of the severity of federal gun laws and the consequences of violating them. The sentence handed down to Snook is a result of his blatant disregard for these laws and his prior conviction.

Snook’s prison sentence and supervised release will begin immediately. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-10.

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