Steven Mark Hosey, 59, of Poca, pleaded guilty on Apr. 6 to unlawfully engaging in the business of dealing in firearms.
The case highlights federal efforts to address unlicensed firearm sales and ensure compliance with laws regulating the sale and distribution of guns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Hosey sold firearms without a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in Huntington from at least April 2024 through April 10, 2025. As part of his plea agreement, Hosey admitted that he knew he needed an FFL based on the quantity and regularity with which he was buying and selling firearms. He also admitted purchasing firearms from licensed dealers with the intent to resell them, receiving requests for specific weapons that he would then acquire for resale, buying guns without specific buyers in mind, and advertising firearm sales on various social media platforms.
Hosey further acknowledged selling between 40 and 50 firearms for profit during this period. Specific transactions included multiple handguns and revolvers sold on several dates in early 2025. These sales were conducted in the parking lot of an FFL business to a confidential informant. On April 10, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hosey’s residence and seized thirty-four firearms; Hosey admitted some were intended for future sale.
Hosey is scheduled for sentencing on July 20, facing up to five years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. United States Attorney Moore Capito announced the plea agreement and commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for its investigative work.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing while Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case. The matter is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
