WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Randolph Michael Smith, 42, has admitted to having a firearm despite being prohibited from doing so due to prior convictions, according to court documents.
Smith, a resident of Wheeling, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in federal court. The charge stems from a 2020 incident in which Smith was found to be in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department conducting the investigation.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided over the hearing.
The charges against Smith carry a maximum penalty of 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. However, the actual sentence imposed will be determined by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, taking into account the seriousness of the offense and Smith’s prior criminal history.
Smith’s guilty plea marks a significant development in a case that highlights the importance of enforcing firearms laws, particularly in communities where individuals with prior convictions are prohibited from possessing guns.
The case against Smith is a reminder that law enforcement agencies and prosecutors will hold individuals accountable for their actions, even when those actions involve violating federal firearms laws.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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