Charleston Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Illegal Firearm Possession

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced on June 25 to one year and three months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Clyde Anderson, Jr., also known as “Smokey,” 33, previously pleaded guilty in March to possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.  On January 4, 2013, members of the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit observed Anderson enter a vehicle outside of Shar’s Bar, located on Charleston’s West Side.  A short time later, Anderson exited the vehicle.  Police officers patrolling the area conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.  During a search of the vehicle, police found crack cocaine. 

Following the search, police approached Anderson to question his involvement.  Police ordered Anderson to get on the ground after he made an attempt to flee. As the defendant made his way to the ground, a firearm fell out of his waistband.  Anderson was placed under arrest. 

Anderson told police that he had been using crack cocaine on or about the time of his arrest. 

The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.