DOJ Charges Virginia Man with Illegal Firearm Sales

DOJ News

Filed March 13th, 2026

Detected March 14th, 2026

Summary

The Department of Justice announced the arrest and charging of a Virginia man for illegally selling firearms, including one used in a campus shooting at Old Dominion University. The defendant faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted.

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What changed

The Department of Justice, through its Antitrust Division, has charged Kenya Mcchell Chapman with dealing firearms without a license and making false statements during firearm purchases. This action is in connection with a firearm he allegedly illegally sold to an individual convicted of supporting a foreign terrorist organization, which was subsequently used in a shooting at Old Dominion University. The complaint details Chapman's alleged actions of stealing a firearm and selling it days before the shooting, as well as purchasing three other firearms in 2021 that were later recovered from crime scenes.

This enforcement action highlights the severe consequences for individuals involved in illegal firearm trafficking and straw purchasing. Regulated entities, particularly those involved in the legal sale of firearms, should be aware of the stringent requirements and potential penalties associated with non-compliance. While this specific case involves an individual, it underscores the DOJ's commitment to prosecuting those who violate federal firearms laws, especially when such violations contribute to violent crimes. There are no immediate compliance actions required for regulated entities based on this press release, but it serves as a reminder of the ongoing enforcement focus in this area.

Penalties

Maximum penalty of 35 years in prison if convicted.

Source document (simplified)

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Press Release

Virginia Man Charged with Illegally Selling the Firearm Used in the Campus Shooting at Old Dominion University

Friday, March 13, 2026

Share For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Kenya Mcchell Chapman, 32, of Smithfield, Virginia, appeared in federal court today and was charged by criminal complaint with dealing in firearms without a license in connection with the March 12 shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU), and with three counts of making false statements during purchases of firearms. View complaint here. View affidavit here.

“The Biden Department of Justice declined to prosecute this man and let him off easy with a warning,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Left-wing soft-on-crime policies cost lives — but this Department of Justice doesn’t tolerate crime, we punish it.”

“Chapman allegedly stole a firearm and illegally sold it to a convicted terrorist, who murdered a decorated American veteran, and he will finally face the full weight of justice,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Thanks to the hard work of our dedicated ATF and FBI agents, in partnership with state and local law enforcement officers, we have arrested and charged this safety threat and removed him from the community.”

“If you steal firearms, lie on federal forms, and put weapons in the hands of convicted terrorists, this FBI will find you,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “I want to thank our Norfolk Field Office and partners who continue to work 24/7 to bring to justice those responsible for yesterday’s attack. In the meantime, we continue to keep the victims, their families, and the entire Old Dominion community in our prayers.”

On March 12, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, committed a shooting at ODU in Norfolk during an Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corp (ROTC) class, killing one victim and wounding two more. Today, law enforcement searched Chapman’s residence and located ammunition consistent with the firearm recovered from the ODU shooting. Chapman allegedly stole the firearm from a vehicle in Newport News one year before the ODU shooting and sold it to Jalloh days before the ODU shooting.

Jalloh was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2016 of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. As a previously convicted felon, Jalloh could not legally purchase or possess firearms or ammunition.

In addition, according to court documents, in 2021, Chapman allegedly purchased three firearms that were recovered from crime scenes shortly afterward. Two were recovered from the scene of a homicide and another recovered from a drunk in public incident.

If convicted, Chapman faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI’s Norfolk Field Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division are investigating this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke Bresnahan and Rebecca Gantt for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Chapman Complaint.pdf Chapman Affidavit.pdf Updated March 13, 2026 Topic Firearms Offenses Components Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Office of the Deputy Attorney General USAO - Virginia, Eastern Press Release Number: 26-253