Ravenna Man Pleads Guilty To West Virginia Federal Gun Crime
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 12:30 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
CLARKSBURG, W.VA.- Today, February 12, 2025, Rodney S. Knotts, 55, of Ravenna, Ohio, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Michael John Aloi to being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, Convicted Felon.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard and charging documents filed with the District Court, during an investigation, Knotts was found to be in possession of eight firearms while in Ritchie County, West Virginia.
Knotts Knew He Was Prohibited From Possessing Guns
   Federal law prohibits a person previously convicted of a felony conviction from owning or possessing a firearm or ammunition. Knotts knew when he possessed the eight firearms; he was a prohibited person due to his prior felony conviction for a drug crime in Ohio.
Following entering his guilty plea, Judge Aloi accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for a time and date to be determined by the District Court. When sentenced, Knotts faces up to 15 years in federal prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. At sentencing, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offense and Knotts’ prior criminal history.
