Poca Gun Runner Adkins Gets 7+ Years

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Steven Eugene Adkins, 37, of Poca, West Virginia, is headed to federal prison for more than seven years after a reckless car chase and the discovery of a loaded firearm and drugs. Adkins was sentenced today after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge carrying significant penalties under federal law. The case highlights the ongoing struggle against repeat offenders and the proliferation of illegal weapons in the Mountain State.

According to court documents, the trouble began on January 14, 2016, when Adkins blew through a red light in St. Albans. A St. Albans Police Department officer initiated a traffic stop, which Adkins immediately ignored. What followed was a dangerous pursuit that saw Adkins speeding, weaving through traffic, and even driving the wrong way on a one-way street. The chase eventually ended in Nitro, where Adkins attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended. It wasn’t just a gun he was running from; authorities also recovered methamphetamine from his person.

The search of Adkins’ vehicle revealed an arsenal beyond the Smith & Wesson Model 22A-1 pistol. Forty knives and a machete were also seized, painting a picture of a man clearly prepared for confrontation. The fact that Adkins was already prohibited from possessing firearms due to two prior convictions in Kanawha County Circuit Court for possession with intent to deliver marijuana only compounded the severity of the offense. This wasn’t a first-time mistake; it was a conscious disregard for the law.

United States Attorney Carol Casto announced the sentencing, emphasizing the federal commitment to tackling gun crime. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston handed down the sentence of seven years and three months, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte skillfully prosecuted the case, building a solid case based on the evidence collected during the chase and subsequent vehicle search.

This case was pursued under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a national initiative dedicated to reducing gun violence by strengthening local anti-crime programs. It also aligns with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia’s broader effort to dismantle illegal drug networks, specifically targeting methamphetamine distribution. The office, alongside its federal, state, and local partners, remains dedicated to shutting down drug trafficking operations and reclaiming communities from the grip of illegal substances.

The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving the St. Albans Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with support from the West Virginia State Police and the South Charleston Police Department. Adkins’ actions put lives at risk, and his lengthy sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on efforts to combat violent crime in West Virginia. Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews