Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Alleged Killer of Newport News Police Officer Charged in Federal Case
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man made his initial appearance in federal court today on gun charges stemming from his alleged role in the death of a Newport News police officer in January.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Vernon Evander Green, II, 38, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana. Both charges stem from Green’s alleged involvement in a January traffic stop that led to the death of Newport News Police Officer Katie Thyne. Green is scheduled for arraignment at 3 p.m. on Thursday at the federal courthouse in Norfolk.
Green is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and felony possession of marijuana. If convicted, Green faces a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa R. McKeel and Howard J. Zlotnick are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. 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. 4:20-cr-35.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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