Martinsburg Man with Violent Past Sentenced to Decade in Prison for Firearms Offense

A Martinsburg, West Virginia resident with a history of violent crimes has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for unlawful firearm possession. The sentencing was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. Ryan Dontrez Lynn, 37, was found to be in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

The incident began when law enforcement officers responded to a domestic dispute call at Lynn’s residence. Upon their arrival, Lynn fled the scene in his vehicle. A subsequent traffic stop by Berkeley County Sheriff’s Deputies led to the discovery of the firearm in the car, along with illegal drugs and $860 in cash. Lynn’s prior criminal record includes convictions for robbery, assault, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. At the time of this offense, he was also on supervised release for a previous firearms conviction. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. The sentencing was presided over by U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh. This prosecution is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a national initiative aimed at eradicating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combating violent crime, and addressing illegal immigration.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia

Video Spotlight