Firearm plea gets sex offender's other charges dismissed

HUNTINGTON -- A convicted sex offender pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to court documents.

The admission means Thomas Edgar Farris could spend up to 10 years in federal prison and pay a $250,000 fine.

The 43-year-old from Huntington entered his guilty plea Monday, one week after he asked for more time to negotiate a plea agreement.

A February 2008 indictment charged Farris with possessing a stolen firearm and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

The admission bought Farris a free pass on other charges pending in federal and state court. Federal prosecutors agreed to dismiss the stolen firearm charge, while Cabell County Assistant Prosecutor Jane Hustead agreed to dismiss charges in state court. Hustead's move includes a promise that she does not intend to present a sexual assault charge to the grand jury because the assault victim cannot be located.

The federal indictment was connected to a Sept. 11, 2007, incident. Authorities found Farris to be in possession of a loaded, .380 caliber pistol. It had been transported across state lines.

Two prior felony convictions prevented Farris from possessing any firearm.

Witnesses reported the incident to Huntington police in September. They said a man tried to sell a black, .380 caliber handgun for $35. The man tried to hide the gun in a restroom trash can once he realized police had been notified. The attempted transaction took place at a local bus station, according to the initial police report.

In December 1986, Farris was convicted in Cabell Circuit Court of second-degree sexual assault.

In February 2004, Farris was convicted in U.S. District Court of stealing mail.