Lewisburg man pleads guilty to federal gun crime

BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Richard Shawn Owens, 39, of Lewisburg, has pleaded guilty to illegal possession of firearms after being previously convicted of a domestic violence crime, according to federal prosecutors.

According to U.S. Attorney Will Thompson, on August 10, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Owens’ residence in Lewisburg, where six firearms were found, including handguns, rifles, and a shotgun.

Owens admitted to owning the firearms, despite knowing his prior conviction prohibited him from doing so.

In 2013, Owens was convicted in Chesterfield County, Virginia, for assault and battery of a family member, making it illegal for him to possess firearms under federal law.

Owens is set to be sentenced on January 16, 2025. He faces up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a potential $250,000 fine.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation, with U.S. Attorney Will Thompson praising their efforts.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald under the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which aims to reduce violent crime.

United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing.