South Boston Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Machine Guns and Narcotics Charges

Richard Elijah Jacobs found guilty of possessing machine guns and drug trafficking

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:31pm

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A 27-year-old South Boston, Virginia man named Richard Elijah Jacobs was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for brandishing a machine gun and possessing distribution quantities of cocaine. Jacobs was found guilty by a jury in May 2025 of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, possessing a machine gun in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possessing firearms as a convicted felon.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement to crack down on the illegal possession of firearms, especially machine guns, by convicted felons involved in drug trafficking. The sentence sends a strong message about the consequences for these types of crimes that threaten public safety.

The details

On February 3, 2024, South Boston police responded to a 911 call about two men in a Jaguar brandishing firearms at people in downtown South Boston, causing them to flee. Officers found Jacobs beside the reported Jaguar, with a .45-caliber Glock pistol with a 40-round drum magazine and an RF-15 pistol equipped with machine gun conversion devices allowing fully automatic fire. They also found thousands of dollars' worth of cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana in the trunk, along with drug packaging materials. Jacobs's passenger, Alexander James Hiett, previously pled guilty to related gun charges and was sentenced to 33 months in prison.

  • On February 3, 2024, South Boston Police officers responded to a 911 call.
  • In May 2025, Jacobs was found guilty by a jury after a two-day trial.
  • On February 3, 2026, Jacobs was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.

The players

Richard Elijah Jacobs

A 27-year-old South Boston, Virginia man who was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for brandishing a machine gun and possessing distribution quantities of cocaine.

Alexander James Hiett

Jacobs's passenger on February 3, 2024, who previously pled guilty to related gun charges and was sentenced to 33 months in prison.

Robert N. Tracci

The Acting United States Attorney who said the Western District will seek firm and swift accountability against those who illegally possess machine guns and other firearms while trafficking narcotics.

Anthony Spotswood

The ATF Special Agent in Charge who said the sentence sends a clear message that those who violate federal firearms laws and terrorize communities will be held accountable.

Drew Inman and Kelly McGann

The Assistant United States Attorneys who prosecuted the case for the United States.

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What they’re saying

“The Western District will seek firm and swift accountability against those who illegally possess machine guns and other firearms while trafficking narcotics in the Western District of Virginia.”

— Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney

“Today's sentence sends a clear and unequivocal message: those that repeatedly violate federal firearms laws and terrorize our communities will be held accountable. Mr. Jacobs is a previously convicted felon had no right to possess firearms of any kind, much less a machine gun conversion device.”

— Anthony Spotswood, ATF Special Agent in Charge

What’s next

The South Boston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will continue to work together to investigate and prosecute similar cases involving illegal firearms and drug trafficking in the region.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on the dangerous combination of illegal firearms, especially machine guns, and drug trafficking in order to keep communities safe. The lengthy 30-year sentence handed down to Jacobs sends a strong message about the serious consequences for these types of crimes.