FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 30, 2012
KANAWHA COUNTY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL FIREARM POSSESSION
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Kanawha County man pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm. John Marcus Schoonover, 41, of Nitro, Kanawha County, W.Va., admitted that on August 14, 2011, he carried a stolen 12-gauge shotgun to Will’s Jewelry & Loan located in South Charleston and pawned the firearm for $70.
The defendant was previously convicted in September 2008 in the Circuit Court of Putnam County, West Virginia, of conspiracy to commit first degree arson. Schoonover did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored.
Schoonover faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on December 12, 2012 by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is 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.
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