ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A potentially deadly situation led to a one-day trial last week.

A jury deliberated for 35 minutes and returned a guilty verdict Thursday in the trial of Lawrence Stiefel, finding that he had possession of a weapon while under disability, or while he was prohibited from doing so due to a criminal conviction. His sentencing hearing was set for April 10.

Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan said Stiefel, 40 and a resident of Pittsburgh according to court records from 2022, was accused of possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a violent offense. Flanagan said the crime involving the weapon occurred early Oct 17 at the Red Roof Inn. The prosecutor credited the quick action of motel personnel as well as members from the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office for retrieving the gun from Stiefel, who reportedly was intoxicated at the time.

“When the deputies were called to the scene, it was because someone was pointing a gun. Concerned about the safety of those in the area, the deputies responded without hesitation,” Flanagan said. “Rushing into a dangerous situation and dealing with someone like Mr. Stiefel, who has multiple crimes of violence on his record, with the knowledge of him possessing a gun, is a credit to these officers.”

Flangan added that Stiefel had not been staying at the hotel when the incident occurred.

“They happened to be in the area, responded immediately, approached the area outside of the hotel and found the individual and a gun near the individual’s possessions on a picnic table outside of the hotel,” Flanagan said. “That night, he made an effort to stay at the hotel but was not able to secure the necessary payment for reservation.”

Flanagan said Stiefel was convicted of a third-degree felony and faces a maximum of three years in prison.

“The defendant did have a criminal history of violence, and I think that’s what made this case so important,” Flanagan said. “In the normal circumstance, this would not have been a crime; however given the fact that he was convicted previously of a crime of violence, that makes his possession of the weapon a felony.”

He said the prosecution called one witness from the hotel and two from the sheriff’s department. According to the court, Stiefel represented himself and cross-examined the witnesses. Flanagan said Stiefel did not call witnesses or take the stand.

Assistant Prosecutor Joe Rine prosecuted the case at the jury trial.