Newport News man with multiple prior felony convictions sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on June 8, 2022, Newport News Police (NNPD) were searching for Larry Donnell Jones, 45, who was wanted on several outstanding arrest warrants, including for firearms-related offenses. Officers observed Jones leaving a residence in a vehicle. NNPD stopped the vehicle, and Jones attempted to flee on foot. Officers quickly caught and arrested Jones. NNPD officers then lawfully searched the residence and recovered a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition, which belonged to Jones.

Jones had been convicted previously for multiple felony offenses, including drug distribution, possession of cocaine, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance. As a previously convicted felon, Jones cannot possess firearms or ammunition.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Derek W. Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson C. Yates, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-44.