Richmond felon awaits sentencing for firearm charge following high-speed police chase
Richmond, Virginia – A Richmond resident, Israel Maleek Mangram, 23, pled guilty last week to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, an offense that carries significant legal consequences. The plea comes after a high-speed police pursuit earlier this year, which ended dramatically with Mangram’s vehicle crashing into a residence and the subsequent discovery of a firearm at the scene. Mangram’s sentencing is scheduled for March 6, 2025, and he could face up to 15 years in prison for his actions.
High-Speed Chase Ends with a Crash
On February 28, 2024, Mangram was driving on Interstate 95 when he caught the attention of a Virginia State Police Trooper after failing to maintain his lane. The Trooper ran a check on the vehicle and found that the registered owner’s license was suspended. Attempting to get a better view, the Trooper initiated a traffic stop. However, instead of pulling over, Mangram sped away, reaching speeds over 100 mph as he tried to evade the officer.
The high-speed pursuit continued until Mangram ultimately lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a single-family home. As the Trooper approached the scene, Mangram attempted to escape through the passenger side window. However, he was apprehended by the Trooper, who found him lying beside the vehicle with a handgun nearby.
Legal Background and Federal Charges
Mangram, already a convicted felon with a 2020 robbery conviction, is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Under federal law, felons face strict limitations on firearm possession due to the associated risks. His latest guilty plea for possession of a firearm as a felon aligns with these restrictions, and Mangram now awaits sentencing.
If sentenced to the maximum penalty, Mangram could spend up to 15 years in federal prison. However, federal sentences often fall short of the maximum, depending on several factors. A federal district court judge will evaluate Mangram’s case, considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, before determining the final sentence.
Legal and Law Enforcement Collaboration
Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced the guilty plea alongside key law enforcement figures, including Acting Special Agent in Charge James VanVliet of the ATF Washington Field Division, Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Gary T. Settle, and Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette Wallace McEachin. The collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local agencies underscore a unified approach to enforcing firearm regulations, especially for individuals with prior felony convictions.
The prosecution is led by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover, who also serves as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with Richmond’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, alongside Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert. This cooperative prosecution effort highlights the commitment of Virginia’s law enforcement and judicial systems to maintaining public safety by addressing violations involving firearms and felons.
