Dale Robert Barnhart, Unlawful Possession of Firearms, WV 2019

Dale Robert Barnhart, 57, of Alma, West Virginia, is headed to federal prison for 33 months after being caught with an illegal arsenal in Tyler County. The conviction stems from a August 2019 discovery of two shotguns, a rifle, and multiple rounds of ammunition inside his residence — all off-limits due to his status as a prohibited person with prior convictions.

Barnhart pled guilty in February 2020 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition,” a charge that carries serious consequences under federal law. Despite knowing his criminal record barred him from owning any weapon, Barnhart chose to stockpile multiple firearms, putting his community at risk and drawing the attention of federal authorities.

The case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s flagship initiative to dismantle violent crime networks and target repeat offenders. PSN uses intelligence-driven tactics and interagency coordination to clamp down on illegal gun possession, particularly among those with violent histories.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri handled the prosecution, building a straightforward but damning case against Barnhart. Evidence gathered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) confirmed the presence of the weapons and Barnhart’s exclusive control over them. No claims of self-defense or lawful use were made.

U.S. District Judge John Presto Bailey handed down the 33-month sentence, emphasizing the need to deter illegal gun ownership in rural areas where enforcement can lag. The sentence includes no early release provisions, ensuring Barnhart will serve a substantial portion behind bars.

Federal prosecutors in Wheeling are sending a message: illegal guns won’t be tolerated, especially in the hands of felons. With ATF agents intensifying sweeps across Appalachia, cases like Barnhart’s highlight the government’s relentless push to reduce gun violence through prosecution, one triggerman at a time.

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