Jury finds Morgan County, WV man guilty of unlawful possession of stolen firearms

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict today convicting Dustin Wade Hinckle, 30, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, of unlawful possession of stolen firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Evidence presented at trial indicated that Hinckle stole a police vehicle during a May 2015 traffic stop in Morgan County. When Hinckle was subsequently apprehended, it was discovered that he had stolen two firearms from the police vehicle. Having previously been convicted of the felony offenses of “Breaking and Entering” and “Grand Larceny” in the Circuit Court of Frederick County, Virginia, Hinckle is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Following a two day trial, a jury found Hinckle guilty of one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearms,” and one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearms.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the two counts. 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 Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. 

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.