Firearms Violators Sentenced to Decades in Prison

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - Three firearms violators have been sentenced across the Northern District of West Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.

Zachary Mongold, 37, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm. Mongold was the subject of another investigation into a violent crime, and the Mineral County Sheriff's Office stopped his vehicle. A search of the car recovered a firearm with ammunition. Mongold is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior domestic battery conviction. Mongold's brother, Jeremy, was convicted at a trial of three charges related to purchasing the firearm for Zachary. He is scheduled to be sentenced in June 2026.

Jason Gordon, 39, of Baker, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Officers responded to a domestic violence call at Gordon's residence. A consent search of the home recovered firearms in the attic of the home. Gordon admitted they were his. He has prior felony and domestic violence convictions, prohibiting him from having firearms.

Montez Taryle Lincoln, 41, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm. West Virginia State Police were investigating a report of a marijuana grow operation on a property in Martinsburg. A search warrant was executed, and officers seized two pistols and some crack cocaine from Lincoln's bedroom. Lincoln, also known as "Fatz," was prior felony drug convictions, prohibiting him from having firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eleanor Hurney, Andrew Cogar, and Stephen Warner prosecuted the cases on behalf of the United States.

Investigative agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; and the Mineral County Sheriff's Office.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided over the Mongold and Gordon sentencings.

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided over the Lincoln sentencing.