Francis Combs, 58, of Cool Ridge, pleaded guilty on Mar. 11 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The case highlights the enforcement of federal laws that prohibit individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Such measures are intended to prevent further criminal activity and enhance public safety.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Combs sold a Bryco Arms model Jennings J-22 .22-caliber pistol to a confidential informant in Raleigh County on July 30, 2024. He admitted that the transaction took place at his residence after he had sold fentanyl to the same informant at a gas station in Ghent. Combs also acknowledged selling fentanyl and a Jimenez Arms model JA-Nine 9mm pistol to the informant at his home on August 1, 2024.
Combs was aware he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions for first-degree robbery in Raleigh County Circuit Court on June 26, 2007, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm in Wyoming County Circuit Court on October 1, 2019.
Combs is scheduled for sentencing on June 24, 2026. He faces up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney Moore Capito announced the plea and commended the investigative work by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as well as the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. The unit includes officers from the West Virginia State Police, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and Beckley Police Department. United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin and former Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon prosecuted the case.
