Williamsburg man sentenced to five years in prison for sending a threatening email that included obscene material to a police officer

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Williamsburg man was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for distribution of obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children.

According to court documents, on Feb. 14 and 15, a police officer contacted Xavier Joseph Stafford, 22, and asked Stafford to move his vehicle from private property in Williamsburg. On Feb. 18, Stafford sent an email to the officer threatening the officer’s child and indicating he knew the officer’s home address. Stafford then sent another message that included two animated images depicting the sexual abuse of a minor. The email also included a live photo repeatedly looping several frames of consecutive images of the officer’s home.

Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa McKeel and Therese O’Brien prosecuted 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 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-40.