A Portsmouth man has been sentenced to four years in prison for attempting to bring a loaded handgun onto a flight. Wayman Tisdale Randall, 28, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court documents reveal that on May 2, 2024, at Norfolk International Airport, a Transportation Security Officer identified an object resembling a handgun in Randall's backpack. The officer notified the Transportation Security Administration supervisor, who then informed the Norfolk International Airport Police Department (NIAPD).
Randall was taken to a private screening room by NIAPD after they took possession of his backpack. Initially, he presented an identification card with his picture but under the name "Ethan Walker," along with an American Airlines boarding pass under the same name. Randall admitted to having a firearm and provided his real identity details.
Investigators discovered a loaded and stolen handgun among Randall's belongings. He had prior convictions for receiving stolen goods, using or displaying a firearm during a felony, robbery, and participation in prohibited criminal street gang activities. As a felon, Randall is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The announcement was made by Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael Feinberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney following sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Heck and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle from the Norfolk 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 PACER by searching Case No. 2:24-cr-93.