ATF, law enforcement partner investigation leads to 10-year federal prison sentence for armed Fayette County felon

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A joint ATF, Oak Hill Police Department investigation resulted in a 10-year federal prison sentence for Eddie Daivon Morgan, also known as "Gutta," 45, of Mount Hope, for being a felon in possession of firearms. Morgan was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after law enforcement officers recovered two loaded handguns from his person while he was wanted on charges related to a Fayette County shooting.

"Morgan's lengthy criminal history, combined with his illegal possession of loaded firearms, demonstrated a serious threat to public safety," said ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes. "Through strong partnerships with the Oak Hill Police Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office, ATF was able to help ensure this armed, repeat offender is held accountable. We will continue targeting individuals who unlawfully possess firearms and endanger our communities."

According to court documents and statements made in court, on Nov. 30, 2022, law enforcement officers had an active warrant for Morgan's arrest on a malicious wounding charge when they observed him enter a vehicle in Fayette County. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and found Morgan laying in the back seat of the vehicle. Officers seized a loaded Glock model 42 .380-caliber pistol and a loaded SCCY 9mm pistol from Morgan's person.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Morgan was informed that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on Jan. 24, 2013.

The warrant for Morgan's arrest was issued after a Nov. 18, 2022, confrontation between Morgan and another individual at a Fayette County residence. During the confrontation, a verbal altercation between Morgan and the other individual escalated when Morgan threatened to "shoot the place up." Morgan later fired two rounds from a .380-caliber pistol, wounding the other individual in the arm. Morgan pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder, malicious assault, wanton endangerment involving a firearm, and use or presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony in Fayette County Circuit Court on Mar. 28, 2024.

Morgan's criminal history also includes prior convictions for second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, felony escape, wanton endangerment with a firearm, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, battery, and domestic battery.

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ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov .