A Virginia resident has been charged in federal court after authorities linked him to the firearm used in the recent shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
Kenya Mcchell Chapman, 32, appeared before a federal court and faces allegations connected to illegal firearm sales and false statements during firearm purchases.
Charges Include Illegal Firearm Dealing
According to investigators, Chapman has been accused of dealing in firearms without a license.
He also faces three separate counts related to alleged false statements made during previous firearm purchases.
Authorities say the charges emerged after an investigation into the weapon used during the university shooting.
Firearm Allegedly Sold Days Before Campus Attack
Investigators allege that the firearm had been stolen from a vehicle in Newport News approximately one year before the shooting.
Authorities claim Chapman later sold the weapon only days before the attack.
During a search of his residence, investigators reportedly recovered ammunition consistent with the firearm involved in the shooting.
Campus Shooting Left One Dead and Two Injured
The shooting took place during a military training class connected to the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program on campus.
Authorities say one person was killed and two others were injured.
The suspected gunman, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was previously convicted in a terrorism-related federal case and was legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Previous Conviction Raised Legal Restrictions
Officials say Jalloh had earlier been convicted in a federal terrorism-related case in Virginia.
Because of that prior felony conviction, authorities say he could not legally purchase or possess firearms or ammunition.
Earlier Firearm Purchases Under Investigation
Court documents also allege Chapman purchased three firearms in 2021 that were later connected to separate criminal incidents.
According to investigators:
- two firearms were recovered at a homicide scene
- one firearm was recovered during another police incident
Authorities are examining whether those purchases involved false documentation.
Potential Prison Sentence if Convicted
If convicted on all charges, Chapman could face up to 35 years in federal prison.
Sentencing would be determined by a federal judge after reviewing legal guidelines and case details.
Federal Investigation Continues
The case remains under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Officials stress that the charges currently remain allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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