Huntington Felon Bradley Gets 29 Months for Gun Possession

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tairon Jordan Bradley, 25, of Huntington, is headed to federal prison after a chaotic chase and subsequent discovery of a loaded revolver in his vehicle. Bradley was sentenced today to two years and nine months – 29 months – for the federal crime of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentence is followed by three years of supervised release, a small consolation for the danger he posed to the public.

The incident unfolded on November 7, 2023, in Kenova, West Virginia. A routine traffic stop quickly devolved into a reckless pursuit when Bradley bolted from the scene. He didn’t just run; he sped onto Interstate 64, creating a hazardous situation for other drivers. The chase culminated in Bradley colliding with another vehicle as he entered Cabell County. Abandoning his damaged vehicle in the middle of the interstate, Bradley attempted to flee on foot, disappearing into a wooded area before being apprehended.

Inside the abandoned vehicle, law enforcement discovered a Weihrauch Hermann Model EA/R .38 Special/.357 magnum revolver, fully loaded. The discovery wasn’t a surprise to authorities, however. Bradley was already a convicted felon, having previously been found guilty of first-degree robbery and conspiracy in Cabell County Circuit Court on January 17, 2019. Federal law clearly prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition – a fact Bradley knowingly disregarded.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston didn’t mince words, praising the swift and thorough work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Kenova Police Department, and the Huntington Police Department. “This case underscores our commitment to keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals,” Johnston stated. U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers handed down the sentence, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Taylor successfully prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence. PSN focuses on fostering community trust, supporting local violence prevention programs, strategically prioritizing enforcement, and rigorously measuring results. It’s a program that, while well-intentioned, often feels like a band-aid on a gaping wound of systemic issues.

Bradley’s case serves as a stark reminder that possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon carries serious consequences. Details of the case, including court documents, can be found on PACER under Case No. 3:24-cr-83. A full press release is available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia website. The streets of Huntington are a little safer tonight, but the cycle of crime continues.