Huntington Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Gun Crime

Thursday, October 17, 2024, 8:00 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HUNTINGTON, W.VA.- On Wednesday, October 15, 2024, Alonzo Dewayne Harden, 30, of Huntington, West Virginia, appeared in 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.

     Following entering his guilty plea, Judge Chambers accepted Harden’s guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for January 27, 2025. At that time, Harden faces up to 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

Police Officers Find Gun

     According to documents filed with the court, on May 17, 2024, members of the Huntington Police Department conducted a motor vehicle traffic stop in Huntington, West Virginia, on a vehicle in which Harden was a passenger. During the stop, Harden abruptly exited the vehicle and fled on foot before he was apprehended by Police Officers. While fleeing on foot, Harden tossed a loaded Glock Model 22.40-caliber handgun with an extended magazine on the ground. A Police Officer in foot pursuit of Harden recovered the firearm.

     Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Harden knew he was banned from possessing a gun due to his prior felony convictions in Cabell County Circuit Court. When on August 26, 2021, Harden was convicted of Malicious Assault and Use or Presentment of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

     U.S. Attorney Will Thompson commended the investigative efforts of the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.