Felon Caught with Firearms

Felon Caught with Firearms

Alexandria, VA – In a shocking display of disregard for the law, Josiah John Weiss, a 36-year-old convicted felon from Suitland, Maryland, was found guilty of possessing firearms. Weiss was convicted by a federal jury on charges of possession of firearms as a convicted felon.

The crime dates back to April 25, 2015, when Weiss purchased two semiautomatic pistols and an AR-15 rifle, along with magazines and gun cases for each, from a private seller at The Nation’s Gun Show in Chantilly. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Weiss was observed making the purchase by Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who subsequently followed him as he left the parking lot of the Dulles Expo Center.

Weiss attempted to evade the agents by driving erratically and at high speeds, but was later arrested outside one of his two apartments in Suitland on November 10, 2015. A search of his apartments yielded no firearms, despite Weiss being prohibited from possessing them due to his 2011 convictions for aggravated identity theft and passport fraud, both felonies.

U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente and Michael F. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Washington Field Division, made the announcement after the verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carina A. Cuellar and Michael E. Rich are prosecuting the case.

Weiss faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on May 27, 2016. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of felons possessing firearms and the importance of law enforcement efforts to prevent such crimes. As the investigation and prosecution of Weiss demonstrate, the consequences of violating these laws can be severe.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:15-cr-354.