Defendant Sentenced for Gun Crime in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a shocking turn of events, Thomas Jason Drake, 48, of Gassaway, has been sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, Drake, a lawyer, admitted to possessing and pawning a Taurus Model G3C 9mm handgun on December 20, 2021, a Winchester Model Grand European XTR .257-caliber rifle on November 22, 2021, and a Colt Model Single Action .45-caliber revolver on December 7, 2021, at Charleston businesses.

Drake had previously been convicted of embezzlement in Kanawha County Circuit Court on September 13, 2012, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

Furthermore, Drake falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that he was not a convicted felon when he purchased the Taurus Model G3C 9mm handgun on July 25, 2021, at a Charleston business.

United States Attorney Will Thompson commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department in bringing Drake to justice.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence, which includes 1 year and 6 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $7,500.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities across the United States.

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