Claude Michael Barrs, a 45-year-old resident of Charleston, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. Barrs pleaded guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The court was presented with evidence that on September 29, 2023, deputies from the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office stopped Barrs due to erratic driving. During the stop, Barrs displayed nervous behavior and admitted his driver’s license was suspended. When asked to exit his vehicle, he attempted to discard a bag containing six grams of methamphetamine. A further search revealed an additional 0.85 grams of methamphetamine under the driver’s seat and a 9mm pistol in the trunk. Barrs confessed ownership of both the drugs and firearm.
As a convicted felon, federal law prohibits Barrs from possessing firearms or ammunition. His sentencing included enhancements due to prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses.
At the time of this arrest, Barrs was already out on bond facing state charges for armed robbery and weapon-related offenses.
United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks delivered the sentence as part of a negotiated agreement that includes five years of supervised release following imprisonment. The federal system does not offer parole options.
This case is associated with 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, an enhanced strategy for PSN was launched focusing on community trust-building, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is leading the prosecution.
