FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9, 2012
HUNTINGTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL ILLEGAL FIREARM POSSESSION
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that a Huntington man pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal firearm possession. Jason K. Conway, 35, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Conway admitted that on February 9, 2012, he directed a confidential informant working at the direction of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to meet at his Huntington residence to complete an illegal drug transaction. Conway further admitted that at the time, he sold seven grams of marijuana to the informant in exchange for $50. During the transaction, the defendant displayed a firearm on his waistband. Conway admitted that the .22 caliber firearm was a “tool for the job,” that he slept with the firearm and that he used it to protect his money.
Conway faces a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on October 9, 2012 by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) River Cities Gun Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams.
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