NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Adrian D. Briggs, 21, was convicted today by a federal jury on charges of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court records and evidence at trial, on Aug. 11, 2016, Newport News Police Department officers responded to a hotel parking lot following a report of a carjacking in which Briggs had brandished a firearm and threatened the victim, a U.S. Army veteran who had served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The victim had agreed to loan Briggs his cell phone, which Briggs then took along with the car.
The investigation revealed video footage showing a man matching the defendant’s description entering the hotel shortly before the carjacking, and another video showing the same person pulling into a nearby 7-Eleven in the victim’s car just before using the victim’s credit card at the location. Briggs’ DNA was identified by fingerprints in the victim’s car, and the victim positively identified Briggs from a photo spread. In addition, phone records showed that Briggs had used the victim’s cell phone to call Briggs’ mother and sister on the morning of the crime.
Briggs faces a maximum penalty of 22 years in prison when sentenced on November 29. 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, Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, and Richard W. Myers, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after the verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bethany J. Lipman of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section 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. 4:17-cr-33.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
