Federal inmate sentenced to prison for possessing a weapon

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal inmate was sentenced today to a year and three months in prison for possessing a weapon at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher Williams, 31, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate of the institution.

Williams admitted that on August 25, 2016, he possessed a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank.” The weapon was a piece of metal approximately six inches long, sharpened on one end, with a handle made of duct tape. The weapon was discovered during a search of Williams when a prison staff member observed it fall from his clothing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.

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