A French Creek man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing firearms after authorities responded to a shooting involving a neighbor’s dog. The investigation led to the discovery of multiple weapons at his residence, revealing a violation of existing restrictions due to prior convictions.
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John Felix Cathell, III, 55, admitted to being in unlawful possession of a firearm during the incident. Law enforcement was dispatched to a residence in Upshur County where Cathell acknowledged shooting the dog. Subsequent searches of his home uncovered several firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. Federal law prohibits Cathell from possessing firearms due to previous firearm-related convictions.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. Cathell now faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider sentencing guidelines along with other relevant legal factors.
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The investigation was carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in coordination with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi oversaw the proceedings.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia
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