Tyler County man indicted for illegal possession of firearms and transporting stolen firearms

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie Villono, of Sistersville, West Virginia, was indicted by a grand jury today for illegal possession and transporting of stolen firearms, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Villono, age 36, was indicted on one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm,” one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm,” and “Interstate Transportation of a Stolen Firearm.” Villono, having previously been convicted of breaking and entering in Tyler County Circuit Court, was alleged to have in his possession a 30-30 caliber rifle, a.22 caliber rifle, a.22-250 caliber rifle, and a .223 caliber rifle, all of which are alleged to have been stolen. It is also alleged that Villono transported some of the weapons for sale across state lines from West Virginia to Ohio. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in October 2016 in Tyler County.

Villono faces up to ten years 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.