Tajon Rasheed Baskerville, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Virginia 2025

RICHMOND, Va. - A federal jury convicted a Richmond man yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to a Grimy Times investigation.

Tajon Rasheed Baskerville, 35, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Baskerville is set to be sentenced on December 17.

On February 23, Henrico County Police observed Baskerville rummaging through a purse that had been taken from a nearby vehicle. As an officer performed a pat-down of Baskerville, the officer felt a firearm in a holster on Baskerville’s hip. Baskerville pulled away from and struck the officer, causing the officer to fall. In response, Baskerville drew his firearm, and the officer drew his service weapon. Baskerville tossed his firearm and attempted to flee on foot. The officer recovered the firearm and apprehended Baskerville.

Investigators found items that had been taken from the purse in Baskerville’s pockets. They also found a wallet, which had been in the purse, in Baskerville’s shirt.

At the time of the offense, Baskerville had previously been convicted for possession of a schedule I or II controlled substance (2010 and 2012), felony probation violation (2012, 2014, and twice in 2017), grand larceny (2015 and 2018), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2022). As a previously convicted felon, Baskerville cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Baskerville faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on December 17. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of federal law enforcement to repel the invasion of violent crime and protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. McGorman and Stephen E. Anthony are prosecuting the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. McGorman and Stephen E. Anthony. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-79.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/federal-jury-convicts-richmond-recidivist-illegally-possessing-firearm