Source: United States Attorneys General
Headline: Charleston man headed to prison for illegally possessing sawed-off shotgun
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joe Orville Fooce, III, 44, previously pled guilty to possession of a shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches and an overall length less than 26 inches not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the South Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“I support the Second Amendment 100%, but criminals who possess guns are a threat to innocent people, law enforcement, and, ultimately, the Second Amendment,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “As United States Attorney, I will make sure that my office continues working with law enforcement to prosecute anyone that cannot respect the Second Amendment and the gun laws that protect it.”
In July 2016, South Charleston police officers found Fooce unresponsive at an intersection. After Fooce was transported by medics, officers discovered the sawed-off shotgun in his backpack. Fooce admitted that he knew the firearm had been modified from its original length.
Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.