Isaiah Taivon Newsom, also known as Isaiah Taivon Porterfield, has been charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee made the announcement. McGuire stated, "Dangerous felons who possess firearms and put police officers at risk will face swift justice." He emphasized the commitment to "not tolerate potential violence against first responders."
According to court documents, the events unfolded on March 25, 2025, when detectives with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department were conducting surveillance near Nashboro Boulevard. Newsom was observed by detectives carrying a rifle and pointing it at an officer who was in an unmarked vehicle. Once the officer activated his blue lights and siren, Newsom and two others fled. Newsom was apprehended with assistance from a K9 unit and the Metro Nashville Police Department aviation unit. A rifle found later was reported stolen from a Williamson County Sheriff's Office vehicle.
Newsom has prior convictions for aggravated robbery and felony theft, serving over seven years in the Tennessee Department of Correction. If convicted on the latest charges, Newsom faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation involves the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence.
The community is reminded that a complaint is only an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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