Demetrius McKinney, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell, has pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon within the federal prison. The 45-year-old admitted to the charge in a court hearing held today.
Court documents reveal that on April 24, 2024, McKinney was involved in an altercation at FCI McDowell. Following the incident, a staff member conducted a search and discovered a handcrafted weapon known as a "shank" in his possession. The weapon was made of metal, measuring approximately six and a half inches long with one end sharpened to a point and equipped with a cloth handle.
McKinney is set to be sentenced on August 11, 2025. He faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and could incur a fine of $250,000.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston, who praised the Federal Bureau of Prisons for their investigative efforts.
The hearing was overseen by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for prosecuting the case.
For further information or related court documents, individuals are directed to visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia or access PACER using Case No. 1:25-cr-31.
