Michael McHenry, a 23-year-old resident of Parkersburg, West Virginia, has been sentenced to 155 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm. The sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh.
Court documents reveal that McHenry is barred from possessing firearms due to a previous grand larceny conviction in Wood County. Despite this prohibition, McHenry and Garrett DeBerry were involved in a carjacking incident where they commandeered a vehicle at gunpoint and subsequently engaged law enforcement officers in a high-speed chase through Monongalia County. During the crime, McHenry wielded a 9mm pistol.
Following his prison term, McHenry will be subjected to three years of supervised release.
Garrett DeBerry, aged 26 and hailing from Morgantown, West Virginia, admitted guilt in June 2024 to unlawful possession of a firearm. His restriction stems from an earlier firearms-related conviction in Monongalia County. DeBerry's sentencing is scheduled for May 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar represented the government in prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office.