Federal inmate pleads guilty to possessing weapon in prison

BECKLEY, W.Va. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley pleaded guilty today to possessing a weapon in prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Larry Antoine Smith, 49, entered his guilty plea to possession of a weapon by an inmate of the institution. Smith admitted that on September 28, 2015, he possessed a combination lock attached to a belt. The weapon was discovered when a prison staff member observed Smith swinging the belt. Smith further admitted that he attached the lock to the belt with the intention of using it as a weapon.

Smith faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 30, 2016.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

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