Felon With Loaded Pistol In Vehicle Pleads Guilty To Federal Firearm Charge

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –A Huntington felon stopped by police following a May 2012 traffic violation pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegal firearm possession charges.  Sterlyn Avery Hewlett, 30, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Officers with the Huntington Police Department conducted a traffic stop of the defendant’s vehicle on May 12, 2012.  During the traffic stop, police found a loaded Glock 9-millimeter pistol inside of Hewlett’s vehicle.       

Hewlett was previously convicted in April 2009 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia of distribution of a controlled substance.  The defendant did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored. 

Hewlett faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 26, 2013 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.   

The investigation was conducted by the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Special Assistant United States Attorney Sharon M. Frazier is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is also being 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.