BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Raleigh County man has been sentenced to nearly three years in federal prison after admitting to possessing multiple firearms despite a previous felony conviction.
Nathaniel Wilburn, 35, of Ghent, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Wilburn’s residence on Oct. 30, 2024.
During the search, authorities said officers found four firearms: a Hi-Point JCP .40-caliber pistol, a Charles Daily 12-gauge shotgun, a Ruger EC9 9mm pistol and a Taurus 12-gauge shotgun.
Wilburn admitted as part of his guilty plea that he possessed the firearms.
Federal law prohibits people with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. According to federal prosecutors, Wilburn knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a previous felony conviction for breaking and entering in Raleigh County Circuit Court on Nov. 15, 2023.
Chief U.S. District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Moore Capito announced the sentencing and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case.
Federal officials said the prosecution was part of Operation Take Back America and Project Safe Neighborhoods, Department of Justice initiatives aimed at combating violent crime and improving public safety.
