Norfolk man sentenced to 13 years in prison for firearm charge related to a shooting (DOJ)

NORFOLK, Va. - A Norfolk man was sentenced yesterday to 13 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on Jan. 21, 2023, Arthur Julius Cherry, 38, attempted to kill another individual after pursuing him from a Norfolk convenience store. Cherry pursued the target in his vehicle and fired at the target's vehicle when it stopped. The target avoided being shot by ducking, but his brother was shot in the back. Cherry left multiple casings at the scene, which were matched to a firearm recovered from Cherry two weeks later.

At the time of the incident, Cherry previously was convicted of several other crimes, including malicious wounding for shooting a man after a verbal altercation, possession with intent to distribute heroin, assault, and possession or use of a weapon. As a previously convicted felon, Cherry cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

"This case exemplifies the importance of keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted criminals," said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. "Arthur Cherry has a history of violence and a disregard for the law. Such lawless behavior represents a significant danger, and my office is resolved that such behavior will be met with serious consequences."

"This 13-year sentence reflects the seriousness of illegally possessing a firearm and attempting to take a life-especially by someone who had already demonstrated a history of violent behavior," said Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division. "Through coordinated efforts of our law-enforcement partners and the use of ATF's technology -the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), a dangerous individual has been held accountable and removed from our community. This outcome truly reinforces our shared commitment to maintaining public safety and preventing acts of violence."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph E. DePadilla and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Stolle 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. 2:25-cr-25.