CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to a federal firearms offense that was charged in an indictment in February 2021.
According to court documents, Casey Douglas Saunders, 30, was in possession of three semi-automatic pistols and one semi-automatic rifle at his residence in Parkersburg on May 14, 2020. The firearms were located by law enforcement officers who entered Saunders’ residence in order to arrest him on an outstanding warrant for violating his parole on several prior felony convictions. Saunders had previously absconded from parole that he was serving pursuant to felony convictions in Wood County Circuit Court for burglary, delivery of a controlled substance and escape. Saunders’ escape conviction was the result of him stealing and then fleeing in the police vehicle of a law enforcement officer who had attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant. Saunders is not legally permitted to possess firearms due to his previous felony convictions.
Saunders pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced on August 4, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.
The Parkersburg Violent Crimes and Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Parkersburg Police Department. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00014.