Wheeling man convicted of lying to purchase firearms

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Paetzold, 35, of Wheeling, was convicted today of knowingly providing false information in order to purchase firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

On two separate occasions in February 2015, Paetzold purchased firearms from The Outdoor Store, a licensed firearms dealer in Wheeling. On both occasions, he falsely indicated that he was not an unlawful user of controlled substances. Based on this false information, he illegally purchased a 9 mm pistol and a .45 caliber pistol.

Paetzold pled guilty today to two counts of “False Statement in Acquisition of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on 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 Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

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