Tyrice Perkins, Weapon Possession, West Virginia 2021

BECKLEY, W.Va. – In a shocking turn of events, two federal inmates have been charged with possessing handcrafted weapons in West Virginia. Tyrice Perkins, 24, and Troy Covington, 20, both inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) at Beckley, have admitted to possessing a handcrafted weapon, commonly known as a ‘shank.’

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Perkins admitted that on February 9, 2020, he possessed a handcrafted weapon known as a shank. A staff member at the prison saw Perkins drop the shank in the chow hall. The staff member then recovered the weapon. Perkins faces up to five years in prison, to be served consecutively to the sentences he is now serving.

Covington, on the other hand, admitted that on February 8, 2020, he also possessed a handcrafted weapon while he was an inmate at the FCI in Beckley. A staff member at the prison found the shank concealed in a pair of shorts Covington was wearing. Covington also faces up to five years in prison, to be served consecutively to the sentences he is now serving.

United States Attorney Mike Stuart emphasized that the prosecution of federal inmates found to be in possession of weapons will be taken seriously. ‘We will prosecute every federal inmate found to be in possession of a weapon,’ Stuart said. ‘Those prisoners should expect another conviction and a longer prison stay.’

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Assistant United States Attorneys John L. File and Timothy D. Boggess are handling the prosecutions. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the plea hearings.

Both Perkins and Covington are set to be sentenced on January 22, 2021. The outcome of their cases will be closely watched by the community, as the prosecution of federal inmates found to be in possession of weapons sends a strong message about the importance of public safety.

The incident serves as a reminder that the security of our prisons is a top priority. The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the safety and security of our prisons are maintained.

Related Federal Cases