Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that Justin Miles Ness, age 40, of Porum, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of Felon in Possession of Firearm & Ammunition.

The jury trial began with testimony on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, and concluded on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, with a verdict of guilty. Based on the jury’s verdict, the defendant could potentially receive up to ten years of imprisonment.

During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on September 8, 2021, federal agents served a federal search warrant on Justin Miles Ness’ residence in Porum, Oklahoma.  Agents seized a firearm and over 500 rounds of ammunition.  The evidence also included photographs, video/audio and text messages from Ness’s Facebook account wherein the defendant, a convicted felon, was shown to be in possession of a firearm and discussing the acquisition of firearms.

The guilty verdict was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Ness was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney William Cosner and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.

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