Wheeling Man Convicted Of Unlawful Possession Of Firearms

1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Tara Tighe, Public Affairs Specialist

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Melvin B. Neff, 56, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was convicted today for unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

Neff was convicted in 1993 in the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania of the felony offense of “Violation of the Controlled Substance, Drug Device and Cosmetic Act.” As a result of the conviction, Neff was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

In June 2014, Neff was discovered in possession of eight firearms including five rifles, two shotguns, and a .45 caliber pistol. Neff admitted to unlawful possession of the firearms when he pled guilty today to one count of “Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.”

Neff faces up to ten years in prison and fine of up to $250,000.00. 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 Steve Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling, West Virginia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

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