Attorney General Jason Miyares has announced that a Richmond man, Jon Terry, has been sentenced to 77 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Terry was arrested on May 24, 2023, in the Six Points area of Richmond when police officers encountered him and two other individuals while on foot patrol. Upon observing a bulge in Terry's pocket resembling a firearm, an officer attempted to speak to him, but Terry fled. After a foot pursuit, Terry was detained, and a loaded SCCY 9mm handgun was recovered.
Terry's prior convictions for distribution of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and grand larceny played a significant role in his sentencing. Attorney General Miyares emphasized the importance of collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in cracking down on illicit gun crime and removing repeat offenders from the streets. He stated, "Virginia is committed to making our communities safer."
The announcement of Terry's sentencing was made by Attorney General Miyares, along with Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Craig Kailimai, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police. The case was prosecuted by Virginia Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen V. Hubbard and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman.
This case is part of Attorney General Miyares' Operation Ceasefire initiative, which aims to combat violent gun crime through rigorous prosecution and effective community prevention. It is also a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program by the Department of Justice that brings together law enforcement at all levels to reduce violent crime and gun violence, making neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Operation Ceasefire is a testament to Virginia's commitment to public safety and the protection of its communities. By working together with law enforcement partners, the state is making significant strides in addressing illegal gun crime and ensuring that repeat offenders face the consequences of their actions.
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