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Press Release

Martinsburg man convicted of unlawful distribution of explosives

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of West Virginia

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Chris O’Connor, 37, of Martinsburg, was convicted in federal court today of unlawful distribution of explosives, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

In December 2014, O’Connor sold explosives in Berkeley County, West Virginia without the requisite license.

O’Connor pled guilty today to a criminal Information charging him with one count of “Unlicensed Distribution of Explosive Materials.” 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 Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

Updated January 8, 2016