U.S. Attorney William S. Thompson | U.S. Department of Justice
Michael Vernon Pinson Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Huntington, West Virginia, has admitted guilt to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The plea was entered in federal court.
Court documents reveal that on February 20, 2024, law enforcement officers responded to reports of an unresponsive male in a vehicle in Huntington. Upon arrival, they found Pinson in the driver's seat. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a loaded Taurus model PT111 Millennium Pro 9mm pistol.
Federal regulations prohibit individuals with felony convictions from owning firearms or ammunition. Pinson acknowledged awareness of this restriction due to his prior conviction for unlawful wounding in Cabell County Circuit Court on February 16, 2016.
Pinson is scheduled for sentencing on April 28, 2025. He could face up to 15 years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson announced the plea and praised the efforts of the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for their investigative work.
The hearing was overseen by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is handling prosecution duties for this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and assessing outcomes.
Further information regarding this case can be accessed via PACER by searching Case No. 3:24-cr-149 or through the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia.
