Michael Vernon Pinson Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Huntington, West Virginia, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm.
Court records reveal that law enforcement officers found Pinson in the driver's seat of a vehicle on February 20, 2024, in response to reports of an unresponsive male. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a loaded Taurus PT111 Millennium Pro 9mm pistol.
As a convicted felon, Pinson was aware that he was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. His prior conviction for unlawful wounding was dated February 16, 2016, in Cabell County Circuit Court.
The announcement of the sentencing was made by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. The Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were acknowledged for their investigative efforts.
The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor. This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities.
Further details and related documents can be accessed on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia website and through PACER by searching Case No. 3:24-cr-149.