Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Chesapeake Man Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Child Pornography
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced to 90 months in prison for possessing firearms as a prohibited person and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Kim Joseph Habit, 49, as a person who had been committed to a mental institution, violated federal law by subsequently possessing an AM-15 rifle and other firearms. During the course of the investigation, the FBI determined that Habit had been purchasing significant quantities of chemicals and other laboratory equipment that could be used to create a destructive device. Agents also obtained evidence that a computer user at the Habit residence was participating in a peer-to-peer file-sharing network through which images of child pornography were downloaded.
On December 14, 2021, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Habit’s residence and found numerous firearms, a box containing components that could be used in combination to create an improvised explosive device, and electronic devices containing images of child pornography.
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Charlie J. Patterson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Washington Field Division; and Col. K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
This outcome was made possible by significant contributions by our state and local law enforcement partners; the Virginia State Police, Hampton Police Division, the Virginia Beach Police Department, Suffolk Police Department, Norfolk Police Department, the Chesapeake Police Department, the Newport News Police Department and support from the Hampton Road’s regional bomb squads.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Montoya prosecuted 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. 2:22-cr-009.