Ashland Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Crime

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ashland, Kentucky man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime.

According to court documents, Dave Joshua Kistner IV, 44, received a Colt Commander .45 caliber pistol at Freedom Gun and Pawn in Huntington on April 29, 2017, by redeeming a pawn ticket. Kistner had been adjudicated a mental defective in the Circuit Court of Cabell County in February 2017, thereby prohibiting him from possessing the firearm. When interviewed by law enforcement, Kistner admitted to re-selling the pistol to a different pawn store. 

Kistner pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on November 29, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is handling the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-00019.

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