BECKLEY, W.Va. – A convicted felon from Sophia was sentenced today to three years and one month in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gene A. James, 46, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
James admitted that on February 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.
The United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
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.
- Follow us on Twitter:SDWVNews