A Henrico man, Dwayne Leman Swinson, also known as Weezy, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentencing took place following an incident on January 11, 2024, where Swinson was found driving with nearly 14 grams of fentanyl and three firearms. One firearm was loaded with 78 rounds of ammunition and another had a 30-round magazine. Law enforcement determined that Swinson’s DNA was present on the drugs, two of the firearms, and the drum magazine attached to the third firearm.
Swinson has eight previous felony convictions, including offenses related to narcotics distribution and firearms. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
“Dwayne Swinson’s possession of multiple firearms and deadly fentanyl posed a serious and unacceptable threat to public safety,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Our office is committed to holding dangerous offenders accountable and protecting our communities from narcotics trafficking and firearm violence.”
Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, commented: “Every day, FBI agents and law enforcement officers around the nation see the detrimental effects gun violence and drugs have on the welfare of our communities and families. With our partners, the FBI stands committed to investigating and holding accountable those who seek to undermine the safety and security of our citizens.”
The case was investigated by both the FBI and the Richmond Police Department. Prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover from the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative led by the Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime through coordinated efforts such as Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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. 3:25-cr-53 on PACER or through the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
