BUD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Paul David Hill, 79, of Bud, has been sentenced to five years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Hill pleaded guilty to the charge on January 22, 2025, and was sentenced on March 6, 2025.
The case stemmed from an October 4, 2024, search warrant executed by Corporal Christian Hedinger and members of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department at Hill’s residence.
During the search, deputies seized a semi-automatic pistol. Hill, previously convicted of a felony, is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Wyoming County Prosecutor Gregory Bishop emphasized the seriousness of the offense.
“Convicted felons are fully aware of the firearm restrictions imposed on them by law due to their criminal conduct,” said Bishop. “As in this case, convicted felons are often found in possession of firearms while committing other crimes. We will relentlessly pursue these chronic criminal offenders and seek prison sentences.”
Wyoming County Assistant Prosecutor Derek Laxton led the prosecution before Circuit Judge Josh Miller.
Corporal Hedinger served as the lead investigator, with assistance from Chief Deputy Don Cook, Captain Tommy Blankenship, Corporal Tucker Cook, and Deputy Matt Perry.
Bishop expressed appreciation for the efforts of Laxton, the prosecutor’s office, and the sheriff’s department in handling the case.
