Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime: Lamar Tyrell Coles Caught with Loaded Pistol

A Charleston man’s reckless disregard for federal law landed him in hot water as Lamar Tyrell Coles, 32, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Coles was arrested on August 23, 2022, after a law enforcement officer recovered a loaded SCCY CPX-2 9mm pistol from his person.

According to court documents, Coles had a prior felony conviction for felonious assault on March 31, 2017, as well as convictions for burglary on March 17, 2014, and illegal possession of a firearm in open air arena on December 12, 2011, all in Columbiana County, Ohio. These convictions render Coles ineligible to possess a firearm under federal law.

A Charleston Police Department officer arrested Coles on an outstanding warrant. During the arrest, Coles admitted to having a firearm in his possession and the officer recovered a loaded pistol from Coles’ right sweatpants pocket, which was zipped closed. This blatant disregard for the law has left many questioning how Coles thought he could get away with such a serious offense.

United States Attorney Will Thompson commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Francesca C. Rollo is prosecuting the case. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing.

Coles is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. It remains to be seen whether Coles will receive the maximum sentence or a lighter punishment, but one thing is certain: Coles’ actions have put him in a world of trouble.

The case serves as a reminder that those with prior felony convictions must be held accountable for their actions and are not immune to the consequences of breaking federal law.

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. 2:23-cr-96.