Harrison County man sentenced to 10 years on federal gun charge

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Edward America, III, age 46, of Salem, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for possession of an unregistered firearm.  

According to court documents and statements made in court, America fired shots at law enforcement officers who were attempting to execute a search warrant at his home in May of 2022. America fled the scene but was later apprehended. Officers found eleven firearms, including an assault-style rifle in the area near where America fired shots at law enforcement, along with two silencers and assorted ammunition. America is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous conviction in state court in Doddridge County, West Virginia.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, West Virginia State Police, Doddridge County Sheriff’s Office, and Salem Police Department.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.