Attorney General Jason Miyares announced today that a Portsmouth man has been sentenced to five years in prison for illegally possessing multiple firearms and a machinegun conversion device as a convicted felon. Michael Jerrod Scott, 40, was found in possession of firearms, ammunition, drugs, and cash during a search at his residence in Portsmouth.
"It’s illegal for convicted felons to possess firearms, and those who do should expect to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," said Attorney General Miyares.
The announcement was made by a joint statement from Attorney General Miyares, U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber, Special Agent Craig Kailimai, Chief Stephen Jenkins of Portsmouth Police, and Chief Mark G. Solesky of Chesapeake Police, following the sentencing by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes.
The case was prosecuted as part of Attorney General Miyares’ Operation Ceasefire, aimed at combating violent gun crime through prosecution and community prevention. It is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence in neighborhoods.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Comstock and Virginia Assistant Attorney General Marc West handled the prosecution of the case.
Operation Ceasefire continues its efforts to address gun-related crimes, emphasizing the importance of accountability and community safety in the Commonwealth of Virginia.