Khali Marquise Barnes, a 25-year-old from Huntington, West Virginia, has admitted guilt in a federal firearms case. Barnes pleaded guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The legal proceedings outlined that on January 9, 2023, law enforcement conducted a compliance check at Barnes' residence, where they discovered a loaded Glock 19 9mm handgun. Barnes acknowledged his possession of the weapon. Federal law prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from owning firearms or ammunition. Barnes was aware of this restriction due to his previous conviction for conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery in Cabell County Circuit Court on August 10, 2021.
Barnes is expected to be sentenced on July 28, 2025. The potential penalties he could face include up to 15 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the plea and commended the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), as well as the Huntington Police Department for their investigative efforts.
The case was overseen by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers, with Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney leading the prosecution.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by integrating law enforcement and community efforts. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a strategy to strengthen this program, focusing on trust, strategic enforcement, community support, and measurable results.
Further information regarding this case can be accessed through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia's website and related court documents on the PACER system under Case No. 3:23-cr-61.