Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to five years in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to court documents, on Dec. 26, 2023, officers of the Colonial Heights Police Department responded to the residence of Joshua J. Jernigan, 40, for an unrelated matter. After receiving authority from Jernigan to search his residence, the officers observed a loaded pistol magazine in the garage. The officers obtained a warrant to search the residence and recovered 28 firearms and five unregistered silencers.
Jernigan was convicted in 2004 in Chesterfield County of conspiracy/statutory burglary, statutory burglary with intent, and possession of burglarious tools. As a previously convicted felon, Jernigan cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
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 Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Miller 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-104.