Huntington Man Pleads Guilty To A Federal Firearms Charge

Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 7:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HUNTINGTON, W.VA.- A 48-year-old Huntington, West Virginia, man will be facing up to life in federal prison when sentenced later this year, after pleading guilty on Monday to possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston, on Monday, August 11, 2025, Robert Craig Hatfield, also known as “Bobby,” 48, of Huntington, West Virginia, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers to one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

Hatfield Could Be Facing Up To Life In Federal Prison When Sentenced

     After entering his guilty plea on Monday, Judge Chambers accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for November 24, 2025. At that time, Hatfield faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in federal prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. At sentencing, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offense and Hatfield’s prior criminal history.

     According to the charging information filed with the District Court, on February 11, 2025, during an investigation into drug trafficking within the Huntington, West Virginia, area, Hatfield sold a SCCY 9mm handgun and around 4.5 grams of heroin containing fentanyl in exchange for $340 to a confidential informant, during a controlled buy, under the observation of law enforcement Investigators.

Hatfield Admits To Selling Gun And Heroin To An Informant

     During his plea allocution on Monday, Hatfield admitted to selling the handgun and controlled substance to the informant from his Huntington, West Virginia, residence and arranging the sale beforehand.

     Acting U.S. Attorney commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office, which led to Hatfield’s arrest and Monday’s guilty plea.