KINGWOOD, W,Va. – The Preston County Sheriff’s Department has earned about $20,000 windfall from the sale of unclaimed firearms through the office of State Treasurer Riley Moore.

“Since 2021, my Office has raised more than $588,000 for the men and women who work tirelessly in law enforcement to keep our communities safe for West Virginia families,” Treasurer Riley Moore said. “I’m proud to partner with the Preston County Sheriff’s Office through this program to help them turn unclaimed firearms into funds they can use to invest in safety equipment.”

The auction on March 21 featured the sale of 110 firearms to qualified buyers and raised a total of $19,822.50.

Captain Jason Rodeheaver, a 15 year veteran with the Preston County Sheriff’s Office helped identify and turn over the designated unclaimed firearms from their evidence facilities to the State Treasurer’s Office.

“We appreciate the State Treasurer’s Office for conducting this firearms auction program,” Captain Rodeheaver said. “We received more funds than initially anticipated. With over 33,000 residents, the Preston County Sheriff’s Office plans to use this money to purchase equipment that will help us further our commitment to public safety.”

This year, more than $98,000 has been raised through the program to benefit the 19 participating law enforcement agencies.

The auctions are open only to pre-registered Federal Firearms License Holders.