Morgan County man indicted on firearms charges

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Dean Smith, of Great Cacapon, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury today on illegal firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Smith, age 39, was indicted on one count of “Possession of an Unregistered Firearm,” one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Explosives.” Smith is accused of possessing an unregistered silencer, unlawfully possessing a .9mm pistol and .223 caliber rifle, and possessing explosive materials that had been shipped to him from another state. The crimes allegedly took place in Morgan County in October and December 2017.

Smith faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. 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 Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police are investigating. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.