After a brief trial, a federal jury has found Alfred Leslie Pittman guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The conviction took place on May 5, 2025, in Beckley, West Virginia.
The evidence presented at the trial showed that Pittman was stopped by officers from the Beckley Police Department while he was a passenger in a vehicle on April 26, 2023. During this stop, law enforcement discovered that Pittman had a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with an extended magazine.
Pittman's prior felony conviction for first-degree robbery in Raleigh County Circuit Court on June 2, 2015, made it illegal for him to possess any firearms or ammunition. Despite knowing this prohibition due to his criminal record, Pittman still possessed the weapon.
He is set to be sentenced on September 5, 2025. If given the maximum penalty, he could face up to 15 years in prison along with three years of supervised release and fines reaching $250,000.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston commented on the case stating: “The defendant knew he had been convicted of a felony... He is now being held accountable for his criminal conduct.” She also praised the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Beckley Police Department for their investigative efforts and commended Assistant United States Attorneys Brian D. Parsons and Joshua Hanks for securing the verdict.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk oversaw the proceedings.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime through collaborative efforts between various stakeholders focusing on high-risk offenders while supporting local prevention programs.
Further details can be accessed via PACER using Case No. 5:23-cr-169 or through the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for Southern District of West Virginia.