Steubenville, Ohio man admits to firearm charge

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Steubenville, Ohio man has admitted to unlawful possession on a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Thomas Bennett, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Bennett, having previously been convicted of drug possession in Commons Pleas Court in Jefferson County, Ohio in 2017, admitted to possessing a 9mm pistol in Ohio County on August 12, 2017. 

Bennett faces up to 10 years incarceration 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 is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated. 

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.