BECKLEY, W.Va. - A convicted felon from Sophia pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gene A. James, 46, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
James admitted that on Feb. 23, 2016, while in Sophia, he possessed a Leinad model DD derringer pistol. James was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2014 conviction in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for distribution of oxycodone.
James faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 2, 2016.
The United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
