Cleveland Man Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Stolen Firearm

Charleston, WV  – A Cleveland, Ohio man pleaded guilty today to illegally possessing a stolen firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. James Herod III, 33, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston.

Herod admitted that on August 23, 2013, he was approached by police officers at the Greyhound Bus Station in Charleston.  Herod, who had both a stolen firearm and marijuana in his possession ran from the officers and attempted to discard the pistol while the officers were chasing him.  Herod had previously stolen the firearm in Putnam County, West Virginia.  Herod faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on December 16, 2014.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution.

This case was brought 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.