Charleston man sentenced to federal prison for weapon violation

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A Charleston man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a weapon violation.

Claude Michael Barrs, 45, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison as part of a negotiated agreement between parties, followed by five years of court-ordered supervision by U.S. District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina says.

Berkeley County deputies stopped Barrs on Sept. 29, 2023, after noticing he was driving erratically. Barrs appeared extremely nervous during the stop and admitted to having a suspended license. Deputies asked him to step out of the vehicle, and Barr then tried to throw away a bag on the ground discreetly. Deputies located the bag, which contained six grams of methamphetamine.

After a search of Barr’s vehicle, deputies found an additional 0.85 grams of methamphetamine under the driver’s seat and a 9mm pistol in the trunk.

At the time of Barr’s arrest, he was out on bond for state charges of armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of a weapon by a violent offender.

Barr is not allowed to possess a gun or ammunition as a convicted felon. He was also eligible for an enhanced sentencing based on prior convictions for violent felonies or serious offenses.

This case is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow.