Previously convicted felon sentenced to seven years in prison for federal drug-trafficking and firearm charges

RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to seven years in prison for distribution of cocaine and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, on Jan. 16, 2024, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Demario Avanti Henderson, 39. On Jan. 24. 2024, agents arranged another controlled purchase where Henderson sold cocaine and fentanyl. During the transaction, Henderson was openly carrying a handgun. Upon completion of the transaction, agents arrested Henderson and recovered the handgun, which was loaded.

Henderson was previously convicted of 17 criminal offenses, including, among other crimes, for larceny, eluding police causing endangerment, assault and battery of a family member, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and assault on law enforcement.

Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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-73.