Richmond, VA – A Richmond man was sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday, December 5, after being convicted for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Bobby Nathaniel Scott, 39, was arrested earlier this year following an incident in the Fairfield Court neighborhood.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Scott was apprehended on February 11 after Richmond Police responded to reports of gunfire near a playground. Officers heard two gunshots and observed two individuals fleeing the scene. As they pursued the suspects on foot, one of the individuals, later identified as Scott, tripped and fell near a set of trashcans. In the process, Scott dropped a rifle, which was subsequently recovered by law enforcement. The firearm, which was loaded with a 20-round magazine, was seized by police.
At the time of his arrest, Scott had a lengthy criminal history, with ten prior felony convictions, including charges for domestic assault, grand theft auto, eluding police, and multiple drug-related offenses. As a convicted felon, Scott was legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Additionally, Scott was on active probation at the time of the February incident. He is also facing charges in Prince George County for robbery, strangulation, and malicious wounding.
Scott’s conviction highlights the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to curb illegal gun possession, particularly by individuals with extensive criminal records. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the serious consequences for felons who violate federal firearm laws.
