Morgantown Man Receives 33-Month Prison Sentence for Illegal Firearm Possession

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Morgantown man sentenced to 33 months for illegal firearm possession, involving stolen guns.

A resident of Monongalia County, West Virginia, has been sentenced to federal prison for unlawfully possessing firearms. Jamie Russell Jones, 47, was ordered to serve 33 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh, as announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.

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The case began when law enforcement officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle and observed Jones exiting the car. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers detected the scent of marijuana, leading to a lawful search. During the search, authorities discovered a backpack containing three handguns, methamphetamine, marijuana, and an empty firearm magazine. Subsequent investigation revealed that all three firearms had been reported stolen from a residence in Gassaway, West Virginia, in 2024. Jones is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous convictions for firearms offenses and theft. Following his prison sentence, Jones will be subject to three years of supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Rhee prosecuted the case, with the investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Gassaway Police Department. This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative aimed at combating violent crime and dismantling criminal organizations.

This sentencing serves as a reminder to West Virginia residents that possessing firearms while being a convicted felon or having a history of theft is a serious federal offense. The legal prohibition on firearm possession for individuals with prior convictions is strictly enforced, and violations can result in significant prison sentences. The recovery of stolen firearms also underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gun violence and theft within the community. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or knowledge of illegal firearm possession to local law enforcement or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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

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