A Richmond man has been found guilty by a federal jury on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The conviction follows an investigation that began on January 12, 2022, when the Richmond Police Youth and Family Crimes Unit was conducting operations at 3443 Walmsley Ave. During this time, it was discovered that Randel Douglas Hoggard, aged 39, and his partner K.B., had outstanding arrest warrants. Assistance from the U.S. Marshals was requested to carry out the arrests at their apartment.
Following Hoggard's arrest, Richmond Police obtained a search warrant for items related to their investigation. The search revealed multiple firearms and evidence suggesting narcotics trafficking within the residence. A subsequent search warrant led to the recovery of four firearms, ammunition, digital scales, and other drug-related paraphernalia. At this time, Hoggard was already a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On January 16, 2024, further action was taken by the Chesterfield County Police Department Homicide Unit with support from Richmond Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Virginia State Police at another location on Walmsley Ave. During this operation, investigators found a loaded .40 caliber handgun concealed in Hoggard's closet door along with matching ammunition and suspected drugs in his bedroom. He has remained in custody since this arrest.
Hoggard faces potential sentences of up to ten years for the 2022 charge and up to fifteen years for the 2024 charge upon sentencing scheduled for June 3. Federal sentences are typically less than maximum penalties as determined by a federal district court judge who will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.
The announcement came from Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood from ATF Washington Field Division; Rick Edwards of Richmond Police; and Col. Edward F. Carpenter Jr., Chief of Chesterfield County Police after U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young accepted the verdict.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Anthony and Janet Jin Ah Lee.
Further information can be accessed through the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia website or via PACER under Case No. 3:24-cr-66.