RICHMOND, Va. - A Richmond man pleaded guilty today to felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, in July 2016, the Richmond Police found John Thomas Lewis, III, 25, in a vehicle parked outside a Richmond residence with two loaded firearms, one of which had been reported stolen, two boxes of ammunition, and 12.6 grams of heroin. As a previously convicted felon, Lewis was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Later, in December 2016, Lewis was arrested on an outstanding warrant and was found to be in possession of distribution quantities of heroin, cocaine, Xanax, and Dibutylone.
Lewis pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm, and possession with intent to distribute heroin. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison when sentenced on September 15. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Alfred Durham, Chief of Richmond Police; and Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian R. Hood and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey E. Rohrs are prosecuting 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:16-cr-144.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
