Brandon Lee Woodrum, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2024

A Charleston man has been sentenced to prison for violating federal gun laws. Brandon Lee Woodrum, 31, of Charleston, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Woodrum admitted to possessing a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm pistol on March 19, 2024, in Charleston. Woodrum further admitted to knowing that the firearm was reported stolen prior to its recovery by law enforcement.

Woodrum also admitted to selling the stolen pistol and a second firearm he knew was stolen, a Springfield Armory Saint Victor AR-15 rifle, on October 18, 2024. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Woodrum knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for wanton endangerment with a firearm on March 16, 2015, and January 24, 2019, both in Kanawha County Circuit Court. Woodrum’s criminal history also includes prior convictions for assault and battery.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. McLaughlin prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Woodrum’s prison sentence and supervised release are a result of his actions, which put the community at risk. The Charleston Police Department and the ATF worked tirelessly to bring Woodrum to justice, and their efforts have made our community safer.

This case is a reminder that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the safety of our communities and hold accountable those who break the law. The sentence imposed on Woodrum is a significant one, and it serves as a warning to others who would engage in similar behavior.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-171.

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