Brian M. Smith, Possession of Stolen Firearm, West Virginia 2009

In a shocking turn of events, Brian M. Smith, a 30-year-old Charleston resident, pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen firearm in the state of West Virginia.

According to court documents, on December 2, 2009, Smith illegally purchased a Kel Tec 9-millimeter pistol from an unknown individual in exchange for $100. This illicit transaction took place at Smith’s residence in Charleston.

What’s more, Smith was aware or had reasonable cause to believe that the pistol was stolen. On December 3, 2009, law enforcement officers apprehended Smith at an automotive parts store in Charleston, where they discovered the 9-millimeter pistol on his person.

This is not Smith’s first run-in with the law. He was previously convicted of three counts of burglary in October 2005 in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County. Unfortunately, his rights to possess a firearm were not restored.

As a result, Smith now faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced in November.

The investigation was led by the Charleston Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is handling the prosecution.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

KREMER's Web of Deceit Unravels in Federal Court

Jul 1, 2015

Violent Crime

John Andrew Welden, Product Tampering, Florida 2013

Jan 26, 2015

Violent Crime

James Chelios, Widespread Financial Scheme, California 2023

Jul 1, 2007

Violent Crime

United States v Evans, Bribery and Corruption, Illinois 2022

Jul 1, 2022