Two men sentenced to federal prison after months of illegal gun sales and heroin distribution in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, Virginia – Two Portsmouth men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a firearms trafficking operation that took place over several months in 2024.
Illegal Firearm Sales and Prior Convictions
According to court records, law enforcement authorities conducted a series of six controlled purchases involving firearms and heroin between June and September 2024. During these investigations, 45-year-old Rolondo Lavar Moody became the primary subject after officers successfully arranged and completed multiple buys. One of the transactions, which took place on August 9, 2024, involved a rifle that was initially transferred by 30-year-old Kievon Anthony Whitehurst to Moody, who then completed the sale.
Both men have extensive criminal records that made their possession and transfer of firearms illegal. Moody’s past convictions include possession with intent to distribute both cocaine and heroin, assault charges, possession of a controlled substance, attempted malicious wounding, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Whitehurst also has prior convictions, including reckless handling of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and unlawfully discharging a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school. Due to their felony status, neither man was legally allowed to possess or handle firearms or ammunition.
Guilty Pleas and Sentencing
The court proceedings resulted in both men entering guilty pleas for their respective charges. On April 8, Moody pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and trafficking in firearms. He was sentenced on September 4 to 10 years in federal prison.
Whitehurst, who was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, entered a guilty plea on July 29. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.
The case serves as another example of how coordinated law enforcement operations can dismantle dangerous criminal activities involving drugs and illegal weapons, helping to keep communities safer.
