Henrico man with eight felony convictions sentenced to thirteen years for possessing guns and fentanyl
Henrico, Virginia – A 44-year-old man from Henrico, Dwayne Leman Swinson, also known by the alias “Weezy,” has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for illegally possessing multiple firearms while carrying nearly 14 grams of fentanyl. The sentence was handed down following an investigation that tied Swinson to a loaded vehicle filled with weapons and drugs.
Guns, Ammunition, and Deadly Narcotics Found in Vehicle
According to court documents, on January 11, 2024, Swinson was driving a vehicle that contained 13.98 grams of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for thousands of overdose deaths nationwide. Inside the same vehicle, law enforcement discovered three firearms—one of which was loaded with 78 rounds of ammunition, and another fitted with a 30-round magazine.
Despite Swinson’s attempt to distance himself from the vehicle during the encounter with police, DNA evidence linked him directly to the drugs, two of the firearms, and the drum magazine attached to the third weapon. These findings played a crucial role in his conviction.
As a convicted felon with eight prior felony offenses, Swinson was already barred from possessing firearms or ammunition. At least three of his prior convictions were for crimes related to narcotics distribution or firearms, intensifying the severity of the latest charges.
Officials Emphasize Threat to Public Safety
“Dwayne Swinson’s possession of multiple firearms and deadly fentanyl posed a serious and unacceptable threat to public safety,” said 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.”
Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, echoed the sentiment: “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.”
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was jointly investigated by the FBI and the Richmond Police Department. The prosecution was led 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 in Richmond.
Swinson’s sentencing is part of ongoing federal efforts to reduce gun violence and narcotics trafficking in Virginia communities by targeting repeat offenders with serious criminal histories.
