After a one-day trial, a federal jury has found Alfred Leslie Pittman guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The verdict was delivered on May 5, 2025. Pittman, aged 36 and from Harper Heights, was apprehended by Beckley Police Department officers during a traffic stop on April 26, 2023. Officers discovered that he had a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with an extended magazine.
Federal law prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Pittman was aware of this restriction due to his previous conviction for first-degree robbery in Raleigh County Circuit Court on June 2, 2015.
Pittman's sentencing is scheduled for September 5, 2025. He faces up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston stated: “The defendant knew he had been convicted of a felony, robbery in the first degree, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. He is now being held accountable for his criminal conduct.” She also praised the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the trial.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime through evidence-based strategies. PSN focuses on targeting violent offenders while collaborating with local prevention and reentry programs to achieve lasting reductions in crime.
Further information about this case can be accessed via PACER using Case No. 5:23-cr-169.
