CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Jackson County man is facing a lengthy prison sentence after admitting to federal gun crimes, a clear illustration of the dangerous cocktail of drug abuse and firearms. Robert Logan Gorman, 28, pled guilty today to being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm and illegally possessing a firearm silencer.
“Drugs users and guns – a bad combination,” stated United States Attorney Mike Stuart, a sentiment echoing through the federal courthouse. “Those who violate our gun laws will face prison time. Federal gun laws carry stiff penalties.” Stuart’s office is clearly sending a message: West Virginia will not tolerate illegal firearms, especially when linked to drug use.
Court records show that Gorman admitted to a methamphetamine addiction during the plea hearing. On October 6, 2018, near Ravenswood, authorities discovered he was in possession of both a firearm and a prohibited silencer. The specifics of the initial stop and search haven’t been fully released, but the evidence speaks for itself: a known drug user illegally armed.
Gorman now faces up to 20 years behind bars and a hefty $500,000 fine when sentenced on August 21, 2019. This isn’t a slap on the wrist; it’s a serious charge with serious consequences, a message aimed at deterring others from similar illegal activity. The silencer charge alone carries a significant mandatory minimum sentence.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Ravenswood Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew is prosecuting the case, and United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the guilty plea. This cooperative approach highlights the commitment of local and federal agencies to combat violent crime in the region.
This case isn’t being treated as an isolated incident. It’s part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a nationwide initiative focused on reducing violent crime through targeted enforcement and community partnerships. PSN focuses on the most dangerous offenders and attempts to address the root causes of crime through prevention and reentry programs. The goal? Lasting reductions in violence, one arrest – and one guilty plea – at a time. Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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