John Felix Cathell III, a 55-year-old resident of French Creek, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm, as announced in Elkins, West Virginia. Court documents reveal that Cathell admitted to shooting a neighbor's dog during an incident that brought officers to his residence. Due to prior firearms convictions, Cathell was already prohibited from possessing firearms.
A search of Cathell's residence led to the discovery of multiple firearms, parts, and ammunition. Cathell faces a potential sentence of up to 15 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 along with other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christie Utt is leading the prosecution. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been involved in the investigation alongside the Upshur County Sheriff's Office. The case was overseen by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi.