Charleston, W.Va. - Lucas R. Lynch, 31, of St. Albans, West Virginia was sentenced to 30 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Lynch, who is prohibited from possessing guns because of a 2003 felony conviction, conspired with Keary Drake of Charleston to sell stolen firearms and split the proceeds.
On September 8, 2013, Drake and Lynch drove to a St. Albans home where Mr. Lynch picked up two guns he had placed there previously. While driving through St. Albans, a St. Albans Patrolman attempted to pull over Drake for a traffic violation. Both guns--a rifle and a shotgun--were in Drake’s car at the time beside Lynch. Drake did not immediately pull over. During the chase, Lynch jumped from Drake’s car around Rock Lake, South Charleston and was injured when Drake drove over Lynch’s ankle. Drake continued to drive away from police at high speed until his car engine stalled in South Charleston. Drake previously pled guilty and was also sentenced as a minor participant in the scheme. The firearms were returned to the lawful owner.
The St. Albans Police Department conducted the investigation, assisted by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco Enforcement. Erik S. Goes and Jennifer Rada prosecuted the matter on behalf of the United States. Judge Thomas Johnston, United States District Judge was the presiding judge.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
