Hampton felon sentenced to three years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton man was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on March 8, 2025, Newport News Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Jermain Antonio Bernard, 41, for driving at night without using headlights. An officer smelled alcohol as he approached the vehicle and observed that Bernard’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot, and the officer called for backup to administer a field-sobriety test.

During the traffic stop, the officer observed a firearm near Bernard. When the officer told Bernard he could see the firearm, Bernard fled in his vehicle. Bernard eventually stopped his vehicle and fled on foot. After a brief chase, police found Bernard knocking on a door to an apartment and arrested him. Officers then recovered the loaded handgun from Bernard’s vehicle.

At the time of his arrest, Bernard had approximately 24 previous convictions, including for firearms charges. As a convicted felon, Bernard cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division and the Newport News Police Department investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Coleman prosecuted the case.

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).

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. 4:25-cr-47.