Francis Combs, a 55-year-old resident of Cool Ridge, has pleaded guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. This development follows his actions on August 1, 2024, when he sold a Jimenez Arms model JA-Nine 9mm pistol and fentanyl to a confidential informant at his residence.
Court records reveal that Combs was aware of the prohibition against him possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. These include first-degree robbery in Raleigh County Circuit Court in 2007 and another for being a felon in possession of a firearm in Wyoming County Circuit Court in 2019.
Additionally, Combs admitted to selling fentanyl and a Bryco Arms model Jennings J-22 .22-caliber pistol to an informant on July 30, 2024. He is scheduled for sentencing on November 14, 2025. The potential penalties include up to 15 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the plea agreement while commending the investigative efforts by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with local law enforcement units. These include officers from West Virginia State Police, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and Beckley Police Department.
The hearing was overseen by United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn with Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley C. Shamblin and Alexander A. Redmon prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations.
For further details about this case or related documents refer to Case No. 5:24-cr-188 on PACER or visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia’s website.
