Man Pleads Guilty to Vandalizing Federal Building

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Brian Scott Murray, 50, pleaded guilty today to injuring property of the United States in excess of $1,000.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 16, 2024, Murray threw multiple rocks at the Sidney L. Christie U. S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Huntington. Murray admitted that he threw the rocks at windows on the west side of the building and broke the outer layers of three windows. Murray further admitted that he walked to the Huntington Police Department afterward and told multiple officers there what he had done. Murray also admitted that the Sidney L. Christie U. S. Courthouse and Federal Building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Murray is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Murray also owes restitution.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department and the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-48.

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