A Newport News resident, Jimmy Lee Scott, 33, has been sentenced to eight years and one month in prison after being convicted on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentencing took place following an incident that occurred on November 5, 2023.
According to court documents, Newport News Police responded to reports of a man brandishing a firearm. Upon arrival, officers observed Scott firing a handgun, which resulted in damage to several vehicles. Scott attempted to flee but was apprehended in a nearby backyard after a short pursuit.
Investigators conducted a search at a residence linked to Scott and found six firearms, including one reported stolen. One of the recovered firearms matched all twenty shell casings collected from the scene of the shooting.
Scott's criminal history includes previous convictions for disorderly conduct, driving on a suspended license (twice), carrying a concealed weapon (twice), trespassing, possession with intent to distribute marijuana (twice), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. As someone with felony convictions, Scott is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
"Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf.
"This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results."
Additional information about this case 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. 4:24-cr-21.
