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(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs Specialist

May 8, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Elkins resident charged with being
Felon in Possession of a Firearm

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA - A 48-year old Elkins, West Virginia, resident was arrested today by the West Virginia State Police after recently being indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that: ROBERT L. RECKART, JR. was indicted this month by a federal grand jury in Clarksburg on one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm” for an incident that occurred last year in Tucker County. The indictment alleges that RECKART possessed a firearm on November 25, 2011, despite having a prior felony conviction from the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia for “Distributing Cocaine.” In addition to pursuing a felony charge the United States is also seeking to forfeit the Harrington & Richardson Handi Rifle that RECKART allegedly possessed.

RECKART, who is scheduled to appear via video before United States Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull for his initial appearance on May 8, 2012, faces a maximum exposure of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.

The case will be prosecuted by Ihlenfeld and was investigated by the West Virginia State Police, Elkins Detachment, and by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The charge contained in the indictment is merely an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.