Justin Ray Guessford, a 40-year-old resident of Fisher, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Guessford, 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 prohibited from possessing firearms.
Guessford could face up to 10 years in federal prison. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge who will take into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner on behalf of the government. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the West Virginia State Police.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over the proceedings.