Richmond career offender sentenced to over 12 years in prison for federal drug trafficking and firearms crimes

RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced yesterday to 12 years and seven months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute.

According to court documents, after Brian Lamont Jones, 39, sold cocaine to another individual in early March 2025, Richmond Police (RPD) searched Jones’ residence. During the search, investigators found 67.08 grams of heroin and fentanyl, 156.09 grams of cocaine base, and 320.21 grams of cocaine hydrochloride. They also recovered several firearms.

Jones has three prior drug trafficking convictions. As a previously convicted felon, Jones cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, 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 sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Anthony 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 repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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. 3:25-cr-135.