Ryan H. Guerrant, 34, of Beckley, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release.
Court records show that on November 26, 2023, Guerrant had a Bersa model BP9CC 9mm handgun at a residence in Beckley. Federal law bars individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Guerrant was aware he could not possess a firearm due to previous felony convictions for first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, and escape in Raleigh County Circuit Court on January 15, 2010; possession of a firearm by a prohibited carrier in Raleigh County Circuit Court on June 13, 2013; and being a felon in possession of a firearm in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on October 25, 2017.
"Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)."
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk handed down the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an updated violent crime reduction strategy focused on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it starts, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and tracking outcomes.
Additional information about this case can be found through PACER by searching Case No. 5:24-cr-93.
