Brian K. Trent, a 29-year-old resident of Bradley, West Virginia, has entered a guilty plea to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The plea was made on December 11, 2024.
The case dates back to September 12, 2023, when law enforcement responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle in Raleigh County's Stanaford area. Upon arrival, officers found Trent and another individual inside the vehicle, which had been reported stolen from South Carolina. Officers discovered that Trent was wanted for an active misdemeanor warrant and parole violation. A search revealed multiple firearms within the vehicle: a Taurus model G2 9mm pistol, a North American .22-caliber magnum revolver, a Marlin model 60 .22-caliber rifle, a Noble model 60H 12-gauge shotgun, and a Taurus .32-caliber revolver.
Federal regulations prohibit individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Trent acknowledged his awareness of this restriction due to his prior conviction for destruction of property in Raleigh County Circuit Court on November 29, 2016.
Trent is scheduled for sentencing on April 4, 2025. He faces up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Will Thompson praised the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for their investigative efforts. The hearing was overseen by United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn with Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department's strategy emphasizes community trust and legitimacy while supporting organizations that work to prevent violence.
For further details or related court documents regarding this case (Case No. 5:24-cr-58), information can be accessed via PACER or the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia.