Joshua Mason Trotter, a 44-year-old resident of Crab Orchard, has entered a guilty plea to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The plea was made in Beckley, West Virginia.
Court documents reveal that on July 1, 2024, Trotter was found with a Glock model 21 .45-caliber pistol and a CBC model 817 .17-caliber rifle. He admitted to having these firearms and also acknowledged possessing a high-capacity magazine for .45-caliber ammunition, approximately 10.51 grams of methamphetamine, and 25.95 grams of para-fluorofentanyl.
Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from owning firearms or ammunition. Trotter was aware of this restriction due to his prior conviction for conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine in Kanawha County Circuit Court on November 29, 2017.
Trotter is scheduled for sentencing on September 26, 2025. He faces up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the plea and praised the investigative efforts by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office.
The hearing was overseen by United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is handling the prosecution.
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. On May 26, 2021, the Department introduced a strategy to enhance PSN by fostering community trust and setting strategic enforcement priorities.
Further information about this case can be accessed through PACER using Case No. 5:25-cr-22.
