Michael Northcraft, Unlawful Firearm Possession, West Virginia 2024

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Weirton man has been sentenced to prison for his role in an unlawful firearm possession case.

Michael Northcraft, 42, of Weirton, West Virginia, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

The case against Northcraft began in December 2014 when authorities discovered multiple firearms in his possession, including three pistols, one revolver, two shotguns, and two rifles. Northcraft had previously been convicted of a felony offense and was prohibited from owning firearms.

Northcraft was previously convicted in the Circuit Court of Hancock County, West Virginia of the felony offense of “Entering a Building Other than a Dwelling.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, which included the Brooke County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the case. Northcraft had previously pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.”

Northcraft’s prison sentence marks the culmination of a lengthy investigation and prosecution. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to firearm regulations and the consequences of violating them.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II said, “This sentence demonstrates our commitment to enforcing firearm laws and holding individuals accountable for their actions.”

The case is a sobering reminder of the dangers of possessing firearms in the wrong hands. As a community, we must prioritize public safety and work tirelessly to prevent similar offenses in the future.

Northcraft will begin serving his sentence immediately.

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