Larry Joe Chapman, a 44-year-old resident of St. Albans, has been sentenced to three years and one month in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Following his prison term, Chapman will undergo three years of supervised release.
The incident leading to Chapman's arrest occurred on March 28, 2024, when law enforcement responded to a shoplifting report at a business on MacCorkle Avenue in South Charleston. Upon arrival, officers discovered that Chapman had locked himself inside the store's storage room. After unlocking the door for the officers, Chapman was found with an open-bladed knife in hand. He was disarmed and arrested by the officers who subsequently searched him and found a Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .380-caliber pistol along with over $1,000 worth of merchandise belonging to the business. The firearm was later identified as stolen.
Chapman was aware that his prior felony convictions prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition. His past convictions include breaking and entering a building other than a dwelling on February 5, 2018, and conspiracy related to operating a clandestine drug laboratory on November 8, 2013.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the sentence while acknowledging the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the South Charleston Police Department. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger handed down the sentence with Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess and former Assistant United States Attorney Samuel D. Marsh prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community groups. Launched on May 26, 2021, this strategy focuses on fostering community trust, supporting preventive organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
Further details can be accessed through court documents available via PACER under Case No. 2:24-cr-125.