A Logan County man was sentenced Tuesday to five years probation for aiding in the straw purchase of a firearm.
Bobby D. Blankenship gave up his career as a federal firearms licensing agent to help a man transfer firearms that he knew was prohibited from having guns, U. S. District Judge Thomas Johnston told Blankenship before handing down his sentence.
"It's really unfortunate you chose to throw away long term employment and a clean record for Terry Tomblin, whose been sentenced two times by this court," the judge told Blankenship.
Blankenship worked for years at Big Eagle Gun and Pawn, and, before admitting to a federal crime, had no criminal history.
"I feel nervous and ashamed," Blankenship said, reading from a statement he had prepared before the sentencing. "I've never been in trouble like this and I promise I will never be in trouble like this again."
Johnston said he believed Blankenship when he said he wouldn't commit another crime - partly because of his age and health problems.
The judge scolded Blankenship for "playing fast and loose" with the system used to keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people, but the judge said everything Blankenship has lost because of it, might be punishment enough.
Federal advisory sentencing guidelines recommended Blankenship be sentenced to spend between a year and 18 months in prison and ordered to pay a fine of up to $30,000.
The judge said he wouldn't impose a fine.
In a deal with prosecutors, Blankenship pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting another individual in knowingly making a false statement on a federal form required to transfer firearms. He allowed in 2012 the illegal transfer of eight firearms.
Based on the facts he admitted to, Johnston ruled Blankenship had committed a felony. The charge also can be filed as a misdemeanor.
Johnston will sentence another man later this week in a separate case who admitted to the same aiding and abetting charge.
In his 10 years on the bench, Johnston said these are the first two cases he's presided over involving the charge.
Reach Kate White at kate.white@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-1723 or follow @KateLWhite on Twitter.