Steven Loren Mandrell, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2022

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A disturbing trend of gun violence continues to plague our nation, and one Indianapolis man is facing the consequences for his role in this epidemic.

On April 20, 2021, Parkersburg Police officers pulled over a vehicle driven by Steven Loren Mandrell, 44, formerly of Parkersburg, due to an invalid license plate. A routine traffic stop turned into a nightmare for Mandrell when officers discovered two loaded firearms under his seat.

Mandrell admitted to possessing a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol and a Bul Transmark 9mm pistol. Both firearms were seized by the officers, and Mandrell was subsequently charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Mandrell knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a January 27, 2010, conviction for delivery of a controlled substance in Wood County Circuit Court.

Mandrell is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson commended the investigative efforts of the Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing, and Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.

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. 2:21-cr-231.

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