Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Jury Convicts Stafford Man of Gun and Drug Crimes
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Stafford man last night on charges of unlawfully possessing a firearm while being a convicted domestic batterer, and possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Brandon Locke, 27, was twice convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence: first in 2011 in Georgia, and again in early 2017 in Virginia. Because of this criminal history, federal law prohibited Locke from possessing a firearm. In May 2017, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) learned that Locke had purchased a Ruger pistol two months earlier. When ATF agents then searched Locke’s home with a warrant, they found him with his Ruger pistol, marijuana, and evidence of marijuana distribution.
Locke faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on May 25. 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.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis, III accepted the verdict. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Urban and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maya D. Song 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-210.
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