Convicted felon pleads guilty to unlawful possession of firearms

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Zachary M. Foster, 22, of Triadelphia, West Virginia, was convicted in federal court today for unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced today.

Foster was convicted in 2011 of the felony offense of “Attempted Burglary” in the Circuit Court of Ohio County, West Virginia. As a result of that conviction, Foster was prohibited from possessing a firearm. In August 2014, officers from the Wheeling Police Department responded to reports of a gunshot fired and discovered Foster in possession of a .38 caliber revolver and a .22 caliber revolver.

Foster pled guilty today to one count of “Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and fine of up to $250,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the investigation.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.