Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to two years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on Jan. 26, 2024, Richmond Police (RPD) observed Mario Leequan Thorne, 27, at a convenience store engaged in a verbal dispute. At one point, Thorne removed a semi-automatic handgun from his waistband and waved it in the air.
As other officers arrived, Thorne was sitting in the driver seat of his vehicle where six young, unsecured children were inside. Detectives asked Thorne to step out of the vehicle, detained him, and conducted a sweep of the driver seat area. Detectives recovered a handgun, as well as Thorne’s Virginia ID, a baggie containing 2.32 grams of fentanyl, another baggie containing 3.07 grams of cocaine, and a digital scale.
In 2022, Thorne was convicted of possession of a concealed weapon. As a previously convicted felon, Thorne cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
Jessica D. Aber, 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; Colette Wallace McEachin, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Wright 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. 3:24-cr-69.