Eastern Panhandle man admits to firearms charge

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronald Louis Browning, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Browning, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Browning admitted to making a false statement to purchase a 9mm pistol in December 2020 in Berkeley County. 

Browning faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.