Washington, D.C., man sentenced to over three years in prison for federal firearms charge

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Washington man was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, on Nov. 8, 2025, a Virginia State Police trooper observed Jiair Olajuwan Tidwell, 30, on Interstate 495 driving a vehicle displaying a stolen Maryland license plate. When the trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle, Tidwell attempted to flee at a high rate of speed. As he fled, Tidwell crashed into a civilian vehicle at approximately 100 miles per hour. Tidwell attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by the trooper.

Following Tidwell’s arrest, troopers recovered a loaded firearm in his pants. Tidwell was previously convicted of a felony in Fairfax County Circuit Court. As a previously convicted felon, Tidwell cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant 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 Leonie M. Brinkema. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Pascua prosecuted the case.

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. 1:26-cr-75.