A Richmond man, Javon Antonio Poag, 38, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms. The sentencing took place following a search conducted by law enforcement on September 6, 2024, at Poag’s residence. Authorities recovered $7,604 in cash, over 80 grams of cocaine, more than eight grams of fentanyl—an amount equivalent to hundreds of lethal doses—and several bags containing methamphetamine. In addition to the drugs and money, officers found two handguns and a loaded high-capacity drum magazine.
Poag had a previous criminal record that included convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, domestic violence, distribution of cocaine, resisting arrest, robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, assault, and carrying a concealed weapon. As someone previously convicted of felonies, he was not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.
“Javon Poag has persistently returned to crime despite a multitude of opportunities to reform,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Today’s sentence makes clear that recidivist criminal conduct will not be tolerated.”
Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division stated: “This violent criminal and his associates had a malicious agenda to harm our citizens. The quantity of fentanyl they possessed equated to 433 lethal doses. This operation and today’s sentencing demonstrate our shared dedication to working together to combat the cartels and local drug trafficking organizations that endanger our communities.”
RPD Chief Rick Edwards added: “The Richmond Police Department recognizes the critical public-safety benefits that come from strong collaboration among our partner agencies. We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Richmond Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for their outstanding work in prosecuting weapons-law violations. Their efforts help ensure a safer Richmond for all.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Mastandrea and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover from the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.
Further information about this case can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or through court records available via PACER under Case No. 3:24-cr-162.