Two Men Admit to Federal Firearms Offenses

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Two West Virginia men have admitted to firearms charges.

Mustafa A. Baker, age 54, of Wheeling, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, Baker was wanted on outstanding warrants of brandishing and destruction of property. Wheeling Police officers pulled over Baker's vehicle and found a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition. Baker is prohibited from having firearms because of eight prior felony convictions in Virginia, including drug possession, 3^rd offense DUI, felony domestic assault, and felony assault and battery.

Michael Douglas Murphy, Jr., age 38, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, pled guilty to making a false statement in applications for a firearm. According to court documents, Murphy falsified a form when purchasing a firearm at the licensed dealer in Martinsburg, claiming the firearm was for his personal use, when in fact, the firearm was for another individual who was prohibited by law from possessing firearms.

Investigative agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; and the Wheeling Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton Reid and Kyle Kane are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.