Domestic violence offender convicted of unlawful possession of firearms

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas J. Miller, 41, of Benwood, West Virginia, was convicted today in federal court of unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Miller was previously convicted of the misdemeanor offense of “Domestic Battery” in the Circuit Court of Tazewell County, Illinois. As a result of that conviction, he is prohibited from possessing any firearms. He was discovered in January 2015 in Marshall County, West Virginia in possession of two rifles.

Miller pled guilty today to one count of “Domestic Violence Offender in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a 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 United States Attorney David Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.