Putnam County Man Pleads Guilty To Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm

Thursday, December 19, 2024, 3:45 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HUNTINGTON, W.VA.- A 35-year-old Hurricane, West Virginia man is facing up to 15 years in federal prison after admitting guilt to illegally possessing a stolen handgun.

     On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Edward Leon Sowards, 35, of Hurricane, West Virginia, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers to being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.

     According to U.S. Attorney Will Thompson and charging information filed with the District Court, during Wednesday’s plea hearing, Sowards admitted that he purchased a Taurus, Public Defender Judge Poly .45-caliber/410 gauge revolver from an individual in June 2023.

Sowards Knew He Was Buying A Stolen Gun

    Sowards further admitted that he knew the individual from whom he purchased the revolver had stolen it. Later, he was confronted about the stolen firearm being in his possession. On June 21, 2023, Sowards met with the individual in a Hurricane parking lot and returned the firearm.

     Sowards also admitted that he knew the serial number from the firearm had been removed prior to him returning the firearm. Sowards knew he was prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm or ammunition due to his prior conviction for domestic battery in Putnam County Magistrate Court in April 2012. Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

     After entering his guilty plea on Wednesday, Judge Chambers accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for March 31, 2025, at which time Sowards faces up to 15 years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine, or both.