Wilbur Curtis Arnold Jr., a 59-year-old resident of White Sulphur Springs, has been sentenced to three years and ten months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release.
Court documents reveal that on April 29, 2024, law enforcement discovered a Winchester model 190 .22-caliber rifle at Arnold's residence during an arrest. Arnold admitted ownership of the rifle, which had been reported stolen on June 12, 2012.
Additionally, on June 30, 2023, Arnold sold a Rock Island Armory model 1911 .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun for $300 at a local business. He provided identification and signed a purchase agreement for the transaction.
Federal regulations prohibit individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Arnold was aware of this restriction due to his previous conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in March 2016.
Arnold's criminal record includes three domestic battery convictions and other offenses such as violating protective orders, battery, assault, DUI, and controlled substance violations.
United States Attorney Will Thompson acknowledged the efforts of the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force in this case. The task force comprises members from the West Virginia State Police, Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department, and Lewisburg Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk delivered the sentence while Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN emphasizes trust-building within communities and strategic enforcement priorities to enhance neighborhood safety.
Further details are available through related court documents on PACER under Case No. 5:24-cr-61 or via the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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