Wood County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man pled guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Charles “Rusty” Conrad, 26, of Parkersburg, pled guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Conrad is prohibited from possessing any firearms due to a 2012 Wood County felony conviction for fraudulent use of an access device. During his plea hearing, Conrad admitted that on July 8, 2016, he possessed sawed-off .12 gauge shotgun at his Parkersburg residence.  United States Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“I firmly believe in protecting our gun rights by keeping firearms out of the hands of felons like this guy,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We will work with our law enforcement partners every day of the week to prosecute criminals who violate gun laws.”

Conrad faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 20, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.

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