CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A 20-year-old Mason County man has received a 30-year prison sentence for a 2018 car jacking that took place at the Liberty Square Shopping Plaza in Teays Valley.
Justin Wilson was sentenced Thursday in federal court after earlier guilty pleas to several charges.
Police began pursuing Wilson on January 11th, 2018, in Kanawha County–they learned he was in a stolen vehicle. He then drove to Liberty Square where he threatened two Putnam County PSD workers with a machine gun and stole their truck.
He was convicted earlier this year on various charges.
“30 years for a 20 year old – truly tragic,” U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart said. “Threatening government employees. Use of a machine gun. Risking the lives of law enforcement. These were incredibly dangerous actions that could have resulted in loss of many lives. We will never accept this type of violent and illegal behavior but we appreciate the human tragedy of a 20 year old serving 30 years in prison.”
Wilson eventually wrecked the utility truck and was pulled out of it by troopers.