Five Individuals Plead Guilty to Federal Firearms Offenses in West Virginia

Martinsburg, West Virginia – U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced that five individuals have entered guilty pleas in the Northern District of West Virginia for various federal firearms offenses. These cases highlight ongoing efforts to combat illegal firearm possession and related criminal activity within the region.

Ricardo Xavier Jones, a 46-year-old resident of Martinsburg, pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition. His plea stems from a parole violation where officers discovered a shotgun and ammunition concealed within his mattress during a home check. Jones is legally prohibited from owning firearms due to previous convictions for grand larceny and drug offenses. Similarly, Gary Owen Jones, 54, also of Martinsburg, admitted to unlawfully possessing a firearm. A West Virginia state probation officer found a rifle in his home during a routine visit. His prior convictions, including making terroristic threats and another firearms offense, disqualify him from firearm ownership.

In Morgantown, Raymond Earl Bowers III, 42, pleaded guilty to unlawful firearm possession. An ex-domestic partner reported to the WVU Police Department that Bowers, a convicted felon, possessed firearms and ammunition. Subsequent execution of a search warrant by Monongalia County Sheriff’s Deputies resulted in the seizure of three rifles, three pistols, a shotgun, and numerous rounds of ammunition from his van and residence. Bowers’ prior domestic violence convictions prohibit him from possessing firearms. Tyler Earl Mercer, 32, of Westover, entered a guilty plea for unlawful firearm possession. Officers apprehended Mercer during an investigation into suspicious activity involving individuals looking into vehicles. At the time of his arrest, officers found a revolver in Mercer’s waistband. He is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a past counterfeiting conviction.

The fifth individual, Caitlin Ashley Fox, 28, of Moorefield, pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a federal officer. Her plea is connected to an investigation into firearms violations involving her boyfriend, where she repeatedly provided false information to federal agents in an effort to shield him.

These cases are part of “Operation Take Back America,” a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at dismantling criminal organizations, addressing violent crime, and deterring illegal immigration. The prosecution of these cases was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Kane, Andrew Cogar, Zelda Wesley, and Stephen Warner. The investigations involved the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, West Virginia State Police, West Virginia University Police Department, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole Services. The pleas entered by these individuals highlight the legal consequences for those who violate federal firearms laws, particularly those with prior felony convictions.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia

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