Convicted felon from Henrico found with drugs and loaded firearms sentenced to more than a decade in prison
Henrico, Virginia – A Henrico man with a long criminal history will spend more than a decade behind bars after being found in possession of illegal drugs and heavily loaded firearms. Dwayne Leman Swinson, also known as Weezy, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge made more serious due to the violent and narcotics-related nature of his past convictions.
Loaded Weapons and Fentanyl Discovered During Traffic Encounter
According to court documents, on January 11, 2024, Swinson, 44, was driving a vehicle that contained 13.98 grams of fentanyl and three firearms. One of the weapons was loaded with 78 rounds of ammunition, and another featured a 30-round magazine, indicating an intent to cause potential harm or resist law enforcement.
When approached by authorities, Swinson attempted to distance himself from the vehicle, but the evidence was already stacked against him. DNA analysis confirmed his connection to the fentanyl, two of the firearms, and the drum magazine attached to the third gun.
Swinson is legally barred from possessing firearms due to eight prior felony convictions, including three related to drug distribution and firearms offenses. His criminal background and recent actions positioned him as a serious threat to the community.
Prosecutors and Law Enforcement Condemn the Threat
“Dwayne Swinson’s possession of multiple firearms and deadly fentanyl posed a serious and unacceptable threat to public safety,” stated Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Our office is committed to holding dangerous offenders accountable and protecting our communities from narcotics trafficking and firearm violence.”
Echoing those sentiments, Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, added, “Every day, FBI agents and law enforcement officers around the nation see the detrimental effects gun violence and drugs have on the welfare of our communities and families. With our partners, the FBI stands committed to investigating and holding accountable those who seek to undermine the safety and security of our citizens.”
The case was jointly investigated by the FBI and Richmond Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover, who also serves as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.
The sentencing underscores federal efforts to remove violent felons from the streets and disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and firearms into vulnerable communities.
