A Richmond man, Javon Antonio Poag, 38, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of possessing firearms as a convicted felon. The sentencing took place on December 15, 2025.
Court documents reveal that law enforcement searched Poag's residence on September 6, 2024. During the search, authorities recovered $7,604 in cash, over 82 grams of cocaine, more than eight grams of fentanyl, five bags containing nearly 35 grams of methamphetamine pills, two handguns, and a loaded high-capacity drum magazine. Poag’s criminal record includes convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, domestic violence, distribution of cocaine, resisting arrest, robbery, use of a firearm during a violent crime, illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, assault, and carrying a concealed weapon. As someone previously convicted of felonies, he is prohibited from owning firearms or ammunition.
“Javon Poag has persistently returned to crime despite a multitude of opportunities to reform,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Today’s sentence makes clear that recidivist criminal conduct will not be tolerated.”
Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division stated: “This violent criminal and his associates had a malicious agenda to harm our citizens. The quantity of fentanyl they possessed equated to 433 lethal doses. This operation and today’s sentencing demonstrate our shared dedication to working together to combat the cartels and local drug trafficking organizations that endanger our communities.”
RPD Chief Rick Edwards also commented on the outcome: “The Richmond Police Department recognizes the critical public-safety benefits that come from strong collaboration among our partner agencies. We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Richmond Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for their outstanding work in prosecuting weapons-law violations. Their efforts help ensure a safer Richmond for all.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Mastandrea and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover from the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.
Further information about this case can be found at the website for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or through court records available via PACER under Case No. 3:24-cr-162.
