CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a gritty turn of events, Darrell Lowers, 39, and Brian Kelly Townsend, 58, have both pleaded guilty to federal ammunition and firearm charges as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Guardian initiative.
Lowers, a 39-year-old from New York, admitted to being a felon in possession of ammunition. The incident unfolded on January 21, 2020, when Charleston Police Department officers responded to shots fired at a residence. Lowers, then on parole out of New York, was found with .45 caliber Winchester ammunition in his truck. With a rap sheet that includes second-degree burglary, third-degree arson, and attempted second-degree assault, Lowers faces up to 15 years to life when sentenced on January 14, 2021.
Meanwhile, Townsend, a 58-year-old Charleston resident, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. His involvement began with a false report to law enforcement about an alleged assault by his girlfriend. It turned out that the girlfriend was the one who tipped off authorities about Townsend’s concealed firearm and ammunition, leading to their recovery from his pickup truck. Townsend has prior convictions for child abuse causing bodily injury and third offense domestic battery, which disqualify him from owning or possessing firearms. He faces up to 10 years in prison at his December 8, 2020, sentencing.
These cases are part of Project Guardian, the DOJ’s drive against gun violence and enforcement of federal firearms laws. The initiative aims to enhance information-sharing and coordinate efforts between federal, state, local, and tribal authorities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia is leading these prosecutions with support from Project Guardian partners.
For more detailed information on Project Guardian, visit their official website. Related court documents and case details can be accessed via PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00118 (Lowers) and Case No. 2:20-cr-00088 (Townsend).
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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