FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2011
WAYNE COUNTY MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON ON ILLEGAL FIREARMS POSSESSION CHARGE
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Christopher C. Blackburn, 29, of East Lynn, Wayne County, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Blackburn admitted that on several occasions on October 19, 2010, he traveled with an associate to the Smokin’ Aces store that was located in Huntington, for the purpose of selling firearms. Blackburn further admitted to possessing seven firearms that were subsequently sold to undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in exchange for $1000.
Blackburn was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on prior felony convictions in December 2008 and May 2009 in the Circuit Court of Wayne County.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of a yearlong undercover operation that targeted illegal drugs and firearms crimes in the Huntington area. The operation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Huntington Police Department, and various other law enforcement agencies. It was announced to the public in March after a grand jury returned indictments against 55 defendants.
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