A Newport News resident, Jimmy Lee Scott, 33, has been sentenced to eight years and one month in federal prison for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentencing took place following an incident that occurred on November 5, 2023.
Court records show that Newport News Police responded to reports of a man displaying a firearm. When officers arrived at the scene, Scott was seen firing a handgun, which resulted in damage to several vehicles. He attempted to flee but was apprehended in a nearby backyard after a short chase.
Investigators searched a residence linked to Scott and found six firearms, including one reported stolen. Ballistics analysis confirmed that one of the recovered firearms matched all twenty shell casings found at the shooting scene.
Scott’s criminal history includes convictions for disorderly conduct, driving with a suspended license, carrying concealed weapons, trespassing, drug-related offenses involving marijuana distribution, and possession of a firearm during drug trafficking. As someone with felony convictions, Scott is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The announcement about the sentencing was made by Erik S. Siebert, 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 Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf.
The prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that coordinates efforts among law enforcement agencies and communities to address violent crime and gun violence through strategies such as building trust with communities and focusing on prevention programs.
Additional information about this case can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or by searching Case No. 4:24-cr-21 on PACER or the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
