Jury Convicts Felon of Firearm and Drug Trafficking Offenses

RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Richmond man today on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Daymont Underwood, 31, of Richmond, was pulled over by the Richmond Police on Oct. 20, 2015, for a traffic violation. Underwood attempted to flee on foot and engaged in a struggle with officers. During the struggle, a loaded .45 caliber handgun fell from Underwood’s waistband. A search of Underwood’s vehicle revealed 78 grams of high-grade marijuana, a digital scale, and sandwich baggies. Law enforcement later determined that Underwood was a convicted felon.

Underwood faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on July 14. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; and Alfred Durham, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert is 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:16-cr-18.