William Gus Hart, Meth Possession, Virginia 2024

NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced to prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. William Gus Hart, 45, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in prison for violating federal law. According to court documents, Hart was convicted in 2016 for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Following his release from prison, Deputy U.S. Marshals attempted to arrest Hart on June 3, 2024 for violating the terms of his supervised release. As the Deputy Marshals approached Hart in the parking lot of a Chesapeake hotel, Hart fled and dropped a backpack and a motorcycle helmet. Hart ran to a grassy area where he laid down on the ground. A Deputy U.S. Marshal located a firearm in Hart’s backpack, which also contained 8 grams of methamphetamine and approximately $2,000 in cash.

As a previously convicted felon, Hart cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

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. 2:24-cr-114.

The defendant, William Gus Hart, is a Norfolk, Virginia resident. Hart was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in 2016. He is currently serving a sentence of 3 years and 10 months in prison for violating federal law.

According to federal law, felons are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Hart’s possession of a firearm and methamphetamine is a serious offense and demonstrates a blatant disregard for the law.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell stated, ‘This case is a prime example of the dangers of gun violence and the importance of enforcing federal law.’

Related Federal Cases