CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston felon who illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition in July 2012 was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Thirty-three-year-old Marcus J. Kenner, also known as “Cheese,” previously pleaded guilty in September 2013 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston.   

On July 14, 2012, Kenner possessed a 9-millimeter pistol and ammunition in Charleston.  Kenner was previously convicted in January 2006 of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County.  The defendant did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored. 

The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney John Frail handled the prosecution. 

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.