Jefferson County Man Admits to Firearms Charge

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A Shepherdstown, West Virginia man has admitted to illegally having firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.

James William Jacobs, 63, pled guilty today to unlawfully possessing a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, Jacobs is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior domestic battery conviction and a felony fleeing conviction. Officers responded to a call of shots fired and a domestic altercation at Jacob's home. A lawful search was conducted, and two firearms and ammunition were seized.

Jacobs faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office investigated.

This case is 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.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.