DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Southern District of West Virginia

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Michael B. Stuart
, United States Attorney
Contact: Deanna Eder

Jackson County Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offense

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Jackson County man pled guilty to a firearm offense,  announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  James Evans, 19, of Ravenswood, pled guilty to stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer.

“Stolen firearms too often end up in the hands of those who commit violent crimes - risking law enforcement and the public,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “24 firearms - the potential for harm was significant. Great work by the Ravenswood Police Department and ATF.”

Evans admitted that on April 7, 2019, he and three other individuals broke into the Old and New Sports store located in Ravenswood and stole approximately 24 firearms.  Rebecca Ann Sellers, 18, and Destiny Moore, 19, were also charged in the case.  A juvenile was prosecuted in Jackson County Circuit Court.  The trial for Sellers and Moore is set for January 27, 2020. 

Evans faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on April 15, 2020. 

The Ravenswood Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation.   United States District Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.

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Louisville Field Division