Richmond Felon Returning to Prison for Federal Firearms Conviction (DOJ)

RICHMOND, Va. - A Richmond man was sentenced today to five years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on July 10, 2024, a Richmond Police officer responded to a call reporting a subject who matched the description of a robbery suspect from earlier in the day. The officer arrived on the scene and called out to Waheed Richardson, 23, who fled on foot. During the pursuit, Richardson discarded a handgun and loaded firearm magazine, then laid down on the ground. The officer detained Richardson, who was still in possession of another loaded magazine and a baggie with counterfeit oxycodone "M-30" pills containing fentanyl. The officer then recovered the handgun and magazine Richardson had possessed. The handgun was equipped with a machinegun conversion device, rendering it capable of automatic fire and considered a machinegun.

In 2021, Richardson was convicted of malicious wounding and discharging a firearm from a vehicle. Richardson was released from prison on Feb. 12, 2024, five months before being arrested for the offense for which he was sentenced today. As a previously convicted felon, Richardson cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division and the Richmond Police Department investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. McGorman prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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 CourtLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-146.