Recidivist Offender Sentenced for Firearm Possession

RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to court documents, on March 22, 2023, Richmond Police Department (RPD) detectives were patrolling an apartment complex in the 3400 block of Walmsley Boulevard following a recent homicide in the area. They observed Brandon Stephon Brown, 31, approach and quickly enter a breezeway. Brown reached into his pants and detectives saw a black handgun fall between Brown’s legs. The detectives detained Brown and recovered the 9mm handgun, which was loaded with a magazine containing 17 rounds, with an additional round in the chamber. The handgun was later determined to have been reported stolen.

At the time, Brown had four previous felony convictions, including robbery involving a firearm in 2012, two convictions in 2016 for possession of controlled substances, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in 2017. As a previously convicted felon, Brown cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 20, 2023, and convicted at a bench trial by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr, on Nov. 15, 2023.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Judge Gibney.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Hubbard, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Anthony prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-94.

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