Berkeley County man admits to firearms conspiracy

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shane Tobias, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted a firearms conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Tobias, 29, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy.” Tobias admitted to working with others to illegally purchase, transfer, and sell firearms from June 2020 until December 2020 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

Tobias faces up to five years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000. 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.