BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – A Charleston man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after a routine traffic stop in Berkeley County led deputies to uncover drugs and an illegal firearm, federal prosecutors announced.
Claude Michael Barrs, 45, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. His sentencing stems from a September 29, 2023, incident in which Berkeley County sheriff’s deputies stopped Barrs for driving erratically. During the stop, deputies observed Barrs acting nervously and learned he was driving with a suspended license.
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When asked to step out of the vehicle, Barrs attempted to discreetly toss a bag to the ground. Deputies recovered the bag and found six grams of methamphetamine. A further search of the vehicle revealed nearly one additional gram of meth under the driver’s seat and a 9mm pistol in the trunk.
Barrs admitted that the drugs and firearm were his. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. His sentence was enhanced due to prior convictions for violent felonies and serious drug offenses.
At the time of the traffic stop, Barrs was already out on bond for separate state charges, including armed robbery and multiple weapons violations.
United States District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks sentenced Barrs to 180 months (15 years) in prison as part of a negotiated plea agreement. He will also serve five years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in Berkeley County and beyond to reduce violent crime and gun violence. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative focused on building safer communities through collaboration between law enforcement and local stakeholders. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is leading the prosecution.
