In a shocking turn of events, 31-year-old Lucas R. Lynch of St. Albans, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to the federal charge of being a felon in possession of firearms.
Lynch, who is prohibited from possessing guns due to a prior felony conviction in 2003, conspired with Keary Drake of Charleston to sell stolen firearms and split the proceeds.
On November 18, 2013, Lynch and Drake drove to St. Albans where they picked up two stolen guns, a rifle and a shotgun. However, their illicit transaction was short-lived, as police attempted to stop their car for a traffic violation.
Lynch failed to stop and attempted to evade capture, nearly causing his accomplice, Drake, to suffer serious injury while trying to jump from the moving vehicle. Lynch continued to flee from police until his car engine malfunctioned, ultimately bringing the chase to an end.
When questioned, Drake and Lynch admitted their participation in the illegal gun scheme and acknowledged that they were not permitted to possess firearms.
Lynch faces a maximum penalty of up to ten years in prison when he is sentenced on July 9, 2014. Drake, who previously pleaded guilty on February 24, 2014, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2, 2014.
The St. Albans Police Department conducted the investigation, assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Goes is handling the prosecution.
This brazen crime highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in our community. As a society, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that those who have committed crimes are held accountable for their actions.
RELATED: Felon Found Armed: WV Man Faces Decade-Plus in Prison
RELATED: St. Albans Felon Richard Bailey Jr. Faces Firearm Possession Charge
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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