New York man admits to firearms conspiracy

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shane I. Thomason, of Brooklyn, New York, has admitted to his role in a firearms conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Thomason, 21, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws” and one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Thomason admitted to working with others to illegally purchase firearms and making false statements to illegally purchase firearms in April 2021 in Marion County.

Thomason faces up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for the false statement charge. 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.