A federal judge in Wheeling, West Virginia, sentenced 35-year-old Michael J. Haught to 10 years in prison for his role in a 2023 shooting incident. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia, Haught pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm following an investigation into shots fired in the city.
Details of the Wheeling Shooting Investigation
The investigation originated from a report of gunfire in Wheeling. Law enforcement identified Haught as the individual responsible for the incident. Under federal law, individuals previously convicted of felony offenses are prohibited from possessing firearms.
According to court records, Haught’s criminal history made his possession of the weapon a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Wheeling Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Penalties
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey handed down the 120-month sentence. In federal court, sentencing for firearms violations is determined by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which account for the defendant’s criminal history and the specific circumstances of the offense.
The 10-year term is the maximum statutory penalty for a violation of federal felon-in-possession statutes. Following his release from prison, Haught will serve three years of supervised release.
Case Context and Law Enforcement Response
This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s efforts to reduce violent crime through the enforcement of federal firearms laws. By targeting individuals prohibited from owning weapons, federal authorities aim to mitigate repeat offenses involving firearms.
The Wheeling Police Department and the ATF have maintained a focus on investigating reports of shots fired within city limits to identify illegal weapon possession. This case serves as an example of local and federal agencies coordinating to pursue charges against repeat offenders under federal statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm?
Under federal law, the maximum statutory penalty for a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) is 10 years in federal prison.
Who investigated this case?
The case was investigated by the Wheeling Police Department in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
What happens after the prison term is served?
Haught is subject to three years of supervised release, during which he must comply with court-mandated conditions and oversight by federal probation officers.
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