A Newport News man has been sentenced to eight years and one month in federal prison after being found guilty of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court documents state that on November 5, 2023, Newport News Police responded to reports of a man displaying a firearm. Upon arrival, officers saw Jimmy Lee Scott, 33, firing a handgun. The gunfire resulted in damage to several vehicles. Scott fled the scene but was apprehended in a nearby backyard following a short pursuit.
Investigators searching a residence linked to Scott found six firearms, including one reported stolen. Forensic analysis confirmed that one recovered firearm matched all twenty shell casings found at the shooting location.
Scott has prior convictions for offenses including disorderly conduct, driving on a suspended license (twice), carrying a concealed weapon (twice), trespassing, possession with intent to distribute marijuana (twice), and possession of a firearm during drug trafficking activities. As someone previously convicted of felonies, he is barred from legally possessing firearms or ammunition.
“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, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration among law enforcement agencies and community organizations https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/project-safe-neighborhoods-psn . The Department announced an updated violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021 https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-announces-new-department-wide-violent-crime-reduction-strategy , emphasizing trust-building within communities and focused enforcement priorities.
Further details about this case can be found on the website for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or through PACER using Case No. 4:24-cr-21.
