Federal jury convicts Richmond felon for illegally possessing a firearm

RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Richmond man yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Jan. 20, 2024, Richmond Police officers were patrolling the Fairfield Court community when they observed a car leaving Fairfield Court at a high rate of speed and running stop signs. When the officers attempted to catch the vehicle, the driver, Rashad Laroy Ebron, 32, suddenly stopped his car, exited the vehicle, and tossed something onto the floorboard. Ebron then closed the door and locked the car.

Officers observed a 9mm handgun in plain view on the floorboard of the vehicle. Ebron claimed that he could not unlock the vehicle because the keys were locked inside the car and that he had no wallet or identification. The officers were able to identify Ebron, however, and confirmed that he was a convicted felon. The officers arrested Ebron, located the car keys, unlocked the vehicle, and recovered the firearm.

Ebron was convicted of grand larceny in 2011, evading police in 2013, and robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in 2016. As a previously convicted felon, Ebron cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

Ebron faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced on Sept. 29. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. accepted the verdict.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, are prosecuting 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. 3:24-cr-47.