When cops first got the tip, it sounded like the setup for a crime thriller — a convicted felon, bitter over a divorce, allegedly trying to get his hands on a gun with a silencer. Now investigators are digging into a trail of texts, money transfers, and a closet reportedly stuffed with weapons.
The allegations came to light after West Virginia State Police Trooper Robert Santana emailed local deputies about a woman who claimed she had received troubling messages from J.H., an Ironton man with a felony record.
The Allegations 📱💸
According to the woman:
🔫 The Request: J.H. allegedly asked her to purchase a firearm with a silencer, since as a convicted felon he cannot legally own one.
💵 Cash Sent: She reported that J.H. even transferred her $500 to make it happen.
🏠 Closet of Guns: She claimed to have visited his home and seen a closet “full of firearms.”
💔 Motive?: The woman told police J.H. was furious over his divorce and feared he intended to harm his ex-wife.
👶 Fear Factor: In text messages, she expressed concern that if she went through with it, she could lose her children or even land in prison.
What Police Found 🕵️♂️
📲 Screenshots of text conversations between J.H. and the woman, including the alleged money transfer.
🌐 The communications reportedly happened while J.H. was in Ohio, though exact locations remain unconfirmed.
🗂️ J.H.’s record shows past trouble, including a 2003 charge for firing into a home and a more recent protection order violation in West Virginia.
🕑 At least two weeks passed between the first report and deputies making direct contact with the complainant, who is believed to live in West Virginia.
What’s Next
The case, complete with text screenshots and affidavits, has been forwarded to investigators and prosecutors for review. At this point, no charges have been filed, but deputies note that J.H.’s history — plus the current accusations — raise serious red flags.
👉 The Lesson: When someone already barred from owning a gun starts sending texts about silencers, nobody’s laughing. Authorities say every lead will be followed because when felons mix firearms with family grudges, the outcome can turn deadly fast.
