Newport News felon sentenced to two years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm

A Newport News man was sentenced today to two years in prison followed by nine months of electronically monitored home confinement for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, on Feb. 8, 2023, Carl Henry Coleman III, 34, was driving recklessly in excess of 70 mph in a posted 45 mph zone and weaving in and out of traffic when Newport News Police (NNPD) observed him and performed a traffic stop. Because neither Coleman nor his passenger was licensed to drive, officers initiated the process to tow the vehicle and conducted an inventory search. In a backpack on the floorboard behind the driver seat was a loaded handgun, along with Coleman's social security card and bank card.

Among other crimes, Coleman was prosecuted federally at age 21 for making false statements to law enforcement about the location of a discarded murder weapon that had been used in a gang-related double homicide. In 2016, he was convicted for threatening to kill and physically assault a victim. As a previously convicted felon, Coleman cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

The FBI's Norfolk Field Office investigated this case with assistance from NNPD.

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-43.