Charles Ray Mackey, a 43-year-old resident of Parkersburg, West Virginia, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. This sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston.
The case against Mackey stemmed from a traffic stop on November 16, 2023, during which law enforcement officers discovered a German Sports Guns model Firefly .22-caliber semiautomatic handgun in his vehicle. Federal law prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Mackey was aware of this restriction due to his past felony convictions for non-aggravated robbery and other crimes in Wood County Circuit Court dating back to June 12, 2001.
Mackey's criminal record includes convictions for breaking and entering, escape, domestic battery, fleeing, and obstruction. The investigation leading to his recent conviction involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Parkersburg Police Department.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston handed down the sentence after prosecution efforts led by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin and former Assistant United States Attorney Bill Longwell.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, the program emphasizes fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations focused on preventing violence.
For further details about this case or related court documents, information can be accessed via PACER using Case No. 2:24-cr-128.
