Ohio man guilty of failing to register as sex offender

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas Hammerstone, 34, of Bellaire, Ohio, pled guilty in federal court today for failing to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Hammerstone admitted to traveling in interstate commerce and failing to register and update his registration as a sex offender. He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.