West Virginia Man Found Guilty in Firearm Transfer Scheme

A jury has convicted Jeremy Mongold of Moorefield, West Virginia, on charges related to the illegal purchase and transfer of a firearm that was subsequently used in a serious crime. The conviction, announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey, stems from an incident where Mongold facilitated the acquisition of a pistol for an individual prohibited from owning firearms, and then allegedly misled federal investigators.

Following a two-day trial, Mongold, 37, was found guilty of making a false statement to purchase a firearm, unlawfully transferring a firearm, and providing false statements to federal agents. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Mongold’s brother, Zachary Mongold, who is legally barred from possessing firearms due to a prior domestic battery conviction, was denied a firearm purchase. The following day, Jeremy Mongold purchased the same pistol. When questioned by federal agents, Jeremy Mongold is accused of falsely identifying the intended owner of the firearm. The pistol was later involved in a significant criminal incident in Pendleton County, West Virginia. Zachary Mongold has already pleaded guilty to a federal charge of unlawful firearm possession in connection with this case and awaits sentencing.

The conviction carries potential penalties for Jeremy Mongold, who faces up to 15 years imprisonment for the unlawful transfer charge. Additionally, he could receive up to 10 years for making a false statement during the firearm purchase and up to 5 years for providing false information to federal agents. A federal district court judge will determine the final sentence, considering federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Cogar and Stephen Warner. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided over the trial. The prosecution is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a national initiative aimed at combating violent crime and dismantling criminal organizations.

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

---