Federal Jury Convicts Charleston Man of Gun Crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –  A Charleston man was convicted of a federal gun crime following jury trial before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.   Michael Matthew Phillips, age 31, was convicted of possessing a firearm by a prohibited person.

“It’s simple – convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Violations of our federal gun laws are serious matters that put public safety at risk.  I applaud the excellent work of ATF, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey.”

On January 24, 2017, Phillips was supposed to sell heroin and a firearm to a confidential informant.  Phillips didn't bring heroin to the meeting because he was concerned that there were police officers in the area.  However, Phillips took the confidential informant to an area where a 9mm handgun was hidden and sold the gun for $140.  Phillips is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. 

Phillips faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced in January 2019. 

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