A 21-year-old man from Newport News, Virginia has been convicted of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Adrian D. Briggs, 21, was found guilty by a federal jury on charges of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The carjacking occurred on August 11, 2016, in a hotel parking lot in Newport News. Briggs had brandished a firearm and threatened the victim, a U.S. Army veteran who had served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The victim had agreed to loan Briggs his cell phone, which Briggs then took along with the car.
Investigation revealed video footage showing a man matching Briggs’ description entering the hotel shortly before the carjacking. Another video showed the same person pulling into a nearby 7-Eleven in the victim’s car just before using the victim’s credit card at the location.
Briggs’ DNA was identified by fingerprints in the victim’s car, and the victim positively identified Briggs from a photo spread. Phone records also showed that Briggs had used the victim’s cell phone to call Briggs’ mother and sister on the morning of the crime.
As a result of the conviction, Briggs faces a maximum penalty of 22 years in prison when sentenced on November 29. However, actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, and Richard W. Myers, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after the verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson.
Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bethany J. Lipman of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated by the Newport News Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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