Newport News felon sentenced to four years in prison for firearm possession and gate crashing at Naval Station Norfolk

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - A Newport News man was sentenced today to four years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and unlawful entrance upon a naval installation.

According to court documents, during a traffic stop on Dec. 16, 2024, Newport News Police found Malik Rashun Hughes, 27, in possession of a stolen handgun loaded with a large-capacity magazine containing sixteen rounds of ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Hughes cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

On July 19, 2025, Hughes stole a vehicle in Virginia Beach. He crashed into another vehicle near Naval Station Norfolk. As he fled the scene of the collision, Hughes illegally entered the installation, ignoring directions from a sentry at the entry control point. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, Hughes attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended in possession of an air soft gun and a half-consumed bottle of tequila.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division investigated this case with assistance from the Newport News Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Coleman prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District CourtLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 4:25-cr-55.