RICHMOND, VA. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.

RICHMOND, Va. – A federal judge convicted a Richmond man today on charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on March 6, 2024, officers of the Richmond Police Department’s Strategic Violence Interdiction Unit observed Maurice Tyquan Brown, 35, driving out of a parking lot in a reckless manner and notified marked units to initiate a traffic stop. Brown failed to stop. He abandoned the car in a parking lot and attempted to flee on foot. As officers pursued, Brown tossed a handgun and separately tossed a firearm magazine. After officers apprehended Brown, they recovered the firearm, which had a round in the chamber, and the loaded magazine about fifteen feet from the firearm.

At the time of his arrest, Brown had 13 prior felony convictions. As a convicted felon, Brown cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Brown faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced on March 2, 2027. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge David J. Novak delivered the verdict.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Miller is prosecuting the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-39.