DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

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

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Bill Powell
, United States Attorney
Contact: Stacy Bishop

Monongalia County Woman Sentenced for Firearms Conspiracy

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Margaret Parker, of Dellslow, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration for her involvement in an illegal firearms operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Parker, age 33, pled guilty to one count of "Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws" in June 2018. She admitted to being involved in a conspiracy that included making false statements to purchase firearms, trading firearms for controlled substances, and transporting and selling the firearms in New York. The crime occurred in Morgantown, Monongalia County and elsewhere from May 2017 to June 2017.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

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Louisville Field Division