Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia
A Portsmouth man has been sentenced to four years in prison for attempting to bring a loaded handgun onto a flight. The individual, Wayman Tisdale Randall, 28, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The incident occurred on May 2, 2024, at Norfolk International Airport. A Transportation Security Officer noticed an object resembling a handgun in Randall's backpack. This prompted the officer to alert the Transportation Security Administration supervisor, who then contacted the Norfolk International Airport Police Department.
Randall was escorted by police to a private screening room after his backpack was confiscated. He initially presented identification under the name "Ethan Walker" and had an American Airlines boarding pass with that name. However, he later admitted there was a firearm in his bag and provided his true identity.
Investigators discovered a loaded, stolen handgun among Randall's belongings. His criminal record includes previous convictions for receiving stolen goods, use or display of a firearm during the commission of a felony, robbery, and participation in prohibited criminal street gang activities. As such, he is legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The sentencing announcement was made by Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael Feinberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney. Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson delivered the sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Heck and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle prosecuted the case.
Further details can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or through PACER by searching Case No. 2:24-cr-93.
