Convicted felon sentenced to 13 years in prison for illegally possessing firearms

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

According to court documents, on Jan. 11, 2024, Dwayne Leman Swinson, aka Weezy, 44, was driving a vehicle with 13.98 grams of fentanyl and three firearms. One of the firearms was loaded with 78 rounds of ammunition and another was equipped with a 30-round magazine. Though Swinson attempted to distance himself from the vehicle when encountered by law enforcement, his DNA was found on the drugs, two of the firearms, and the drum magazine of the third firearm.

Swinson has eight prior felony convictions, three of which involve narcotics distribution or firearms offenses. As a previously convicted felon, Swinson cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

"Dwayne Swinson's possession of multiple firearms and deadly fentanyl posed a serious and unacceptable threat to public safety," said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. "Our office is committed to holding dangerous offenders accountable and protecting our communities from narcotics trafficking and firearm violence."

"Every day, FBI agents and law enforcement officers around the nation see the detrimental effects gun violence and drugs have on the welfare of our communities and families," said Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Richmond Field Office. "With our partners, the FBI stands committed to investigating and holding accountable those who seek to undermine the safety and security of our citizens."

The FBI and the Richmond Police Department investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Office, 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. 3:25-cr-53.