Dustin Lynn Garrison, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2018

Dustin Lynn Garrison, 26, of Fairmont, West Virginia, is behind bars on federal charges tied to the illegal possession of two firearms. The arrest follows a federal grand jury indictment issued in Elkins on February 21, 2018, marking the latest blow in a tightening crackdown on gun crimes in North Central West Virginia.

Garrison faces two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” — a federal offense that carries up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Prosecutors allege he possessed a .308 semi-automatic pistol in September 2017 and a .22 caliber revolver in December 2017, both within Marion County. As a convicted felon with two prior felony convictions in Marion County Circuit Court, Garrison is prohibited under federal law from owning or possessing any firearm.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Fairmont Police Department led the investigation, piecing together evidence that placed the weapons in Garrison’s possession despite his barred status. The United States Marshal Service executed the arrest, taking him into custody without incident this week.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case for the federal government, underscoring the DOJ’s aggressive stance on repeat offenders and illegal gun possession. Federal sentencing guidelines mean the final penalty will hinge not only on the seriousness of the offenses but also on Garrison’s criminal history — a critical factor in gun cases involving felons.

While the charges are severe, prosecutors and law enforcement stress that an indictment is not a conviction. Garrison is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. His initial appearance and arraignment are expected in the coming days in the Northern District of West Virginia.

The case highlights the ongoing federal push to intercept firearms in the hands of prohibited individuals, particularly in regions with high rates of violent crime. Authorities say they will continue to target illegal gun possession through joint task forces and strategic investigations across the state.

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