ELKINS — A Hardy County man was convicted of federal firearms charges after he illegally purchased and transferred a firearm that was later used in another crime in a separate county.

Following a two-day trial, a jury found Jeremy Mongold, 37, guilty of making a false statement to purchase a firearm, the unlawful transfer of a firearm, and making a false statement to a federal agent.

Mongold, of Moorefield, is facing up to 15 years for the transfer count, up to 10 years for making a false statement for the firearm charge, and up to 5 years for the false statement to a federal agent.

Mongold’s fate will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering the U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Cogar and Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Because of a prior domestic battery conviction, Mongold’s brother, Zachary Mongold, is prohibited from having firearms and the jury was presented evidence that he attempted to buy a firearm and was denied, according to a court press release. Jeremy Mongold attempted to purchase the same pistol one day later and, when questioned about the firearm, lied to federal agents about its intended owner. The firearm was later used in a serious crime in Pendleton County.

“Mongold intentionally lied so he could purchase a pistol for a violent person who was prohibited from possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “That pistol was subsequently used in a serious crime, and Mongold lied to federal agents to cover his tracks. Now he faces a prison sentence.”

Zachary Mongold pled guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and will be sentenced at a later date. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided over the hearing.

“By lying on an ATF form to purchase a firearm for his brother, Jeremy Mongold contributed to additional violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge John Nokes, ATF. “As a result of his actions, he will now serve a lengthy federal prison sentence.”