Firearms trafficking has become an issue in the northern district of west virginia

Trafficking is profitablebecause of the disparity in firearm laws in different jurisdictions. Firearms, particularlystolen firearms are increasinglybeing seized during the execution of search warrants in drug prosecutions and pursuant to routine traffic stops. Aggressiveenforcement in these situations requires a collaborative effort between state and federal lawenforcement. IT also requires the expenditureof resources to conduct a full and complete investigation (especiallywhen dealingwith a stolen firearm). The united states attorney's office for the northern district of west virginia, in partnership with the prosecuting attorneys in brooke county, WV and jefferson county, WV, seeks to continue an enhanced prosecution presence to address these and all other gun crimes in thenorthern districtof west virginia. The proposed plan is toprovide funding for the purpose of paying an assistant county prosecutor (who will also be sworn in as a special assistant united states attorney (sausa) for the ndwv) to collaborate with state and federal law enforcement to develop gun prosecutions. By having a presence at both the federal and state level IT is hoped that all potential cases will be assessed by the sausa as a liaison and clearinghouse. The PSN funds will be used to pay for the additional time the sausa will have to devote to this initiative in order to service the entire northern panhandle (not just the county throughwhich they are employed). As part of the initiative, the sausa along with other members of the usao/ndwv and representatives of the ATF, will provide training to law enforcement officers about the basics of building a gun case beginning with best practices concerning the initial encounter with the unlawful possessor/purchaser. Evidence gathering and preservation will be emphasized. The training will also encompass and encourage the need to consult with federal partners and work in cooperation to pursue the matter through disposition in the federal court.