Brian K. Trent, a 30-year-old resident of Bradley, West Virginia, has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for the federal crime of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The case against Trent stemmed from an incident on September 12, 2023. Law enforcement officers responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle in the Stanaford area of Raleigh County. Upon arrival, they found Trent and another individual unconscious inside the vehicle. A firearm was visible between the driver's seat and the center console. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in South Carolina. Additionally, officers discovered that Trent was wanted on an active misdemeanor warrant and for a parole violation.
A search conducted by officers led to the seizure of multiple firearms including 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. Officers also confiscated approximately 27.7 grams of fentanyl from the scene. It was later determined that one of these firearms had been reported stolen in Fayette County.
Trent's prior felony conviction for destruction of property on November 29, 2016, prohibited him from possessing any firearms or ammunition under federal law.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston praised the investigative efforts made by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in this case.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk handed down Trent's sentence while Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities across various levels. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021.
Further details about this case can be accessed through PACER by searching Case No. 5:24-cr-58 or via the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for Southern District West Virginia.
