Harrison County man convicted of unlawful possession of thirteen firearms

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wade Highland, 45, of Lost Creek, West Virginia, was convicted in federal court today of unlawful possession of multiple firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Highland was previously convicted in February 2009 of “Grand Larceny” in the Circuit Court of Harrison County, West Virginia. As a result of the conviction, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. In August 2014, Highland was discovered in unlawful possession of thirteen firearms.

Highland pled guilty today to one count of “Felon 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 U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.