Hardy man awaits sentencing on federal charge

Hardy man awaits sentencing on federal charge

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ELKINS, W.Va. -- A 40-year-old man from Hardy County, Justin Ray Guessford, has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of West Virginia.

Court documents reveal that Guessford, who is also known as "Justin Ray Gilbert," was found with a .22-caliber rifle in Hardy County. Due to previous convictions for malicious wounding and child neglect, he is legally prohibited from owning firearms.

He now faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner on behalf of the government.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the West Virginia State Police.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of firearm possession regulations, particularly concerning individuals with prior convictions.