ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA - Jeremy Mongold, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was convicted of illegally purchasing and transferring a firearm that was later used in another crime, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.

"Mongold intentionally lied so he could purchase a pistol for a violent person that was prohibited from possessing firearms," said U.S. Attorney 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."

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

Following a two-day trial, a jury found 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's brother, Zachary Mongold, is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior domestic battery conviction. The jury was presented evidence that Zachary attempted to purchase a firearm and was denied. The following day, Jeremy purchased the same pistol. When questioned about the firearm, Jeremy lied to federal agents about its intended owner. The gun was later used in a serious crime in Pendleton County, West Virginia.

Zachary Mongold pled guilty to a federal charge of the unlawful possession of a firearm connected to this case in December 2025. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Jeremy Mongold is facing up to 15 years for the transfer count. He's facing up to 10 years for the false statement for the firearm charge, and he faces up to 5 years for the false statement to a federal agent. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence 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.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.