James William Jacobs of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, admitted on Mar. 31 to unlawfully possessing firearms, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Jacobs, age 63, is prohibited from owning firearms due to a previous domestic battery conviction and a felony fleeing conviction. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address illegal firearm possession and related violent crime.
Court documents show that officers responded to reports of shots fired and a domestic altercation at Jacobs’ home. A lawful search led authorities to seize two firearms and ammunition from the residence.
Jacobs faces up to 15 years in prison for the offense. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, described as a nationwide initiative aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
