A Hampton man has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Court documents state that on March 8, 2025, Newport News Police stopped Jermain Antonio Bernard, 41, for driving at night without headlights. Officers noticed the smell of alcohol and observed that Bernard’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot. Backup was called to conduct a field-sobriety test.
During the stop, an officer saw a firearm near Bernard. When informed about the weapon, Bernard fled in his vehicle before stopping and attempting to escape on foot. He was apprehended by police while knocking on an apartment door. Officers recovered a loaded handgun from his vehicle.
Bernard had around 24 previous convictions at the time of his arrest, including prior firearms offenses. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division and the Newport News Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Coleman prosecuted it.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN),” according to information provided in connection with the sentencing.
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. 4:25-cr-47.
