A Richmond man faces up to 15 years in prison after being convicted by a jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges stems from a robbery where he allegedly drew his firearm when an officer searched him for weapons or other contraband.
Tajon Rasheed Baskerville, 35, will be sentenced on Dec. 17.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, a Henrico County police officer observed Baskerville rummaging through a purse which had been allegedly taken from a nearby vehicle on Feb. 23.
As an officer performed a pat-down of Baskerville, the officer felt a firearm in a holster on Baskerville’s hip. Baskerville pulled away from and struck the officer. The officer fell, at which time Baskerville drew his firearm, and the officer drew his service weapon in response.
Baskerville tossed his firearm and attempted to flee on foot. The officer recovered the firearm, and Baskerville was apprehended.
Investigators found items that had been taken from the purse in Baskerville’s pockets. They also found a wallet, which had been in the purse, in Baskerville’s shirt.
At the time of the offense, Baskerville had previously been convicted for:
- possession of a schedule I or II controlled substance (2010 and 2012)
- felony probation violation (2012, 2014 and twice in 2017)
- grand larceny (2015 and 2018)
- possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2022)
As a previously convicted felon, Baskerville cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. McGorman and Stephen E. Anthony are prosecuting the case.
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Crystal Graham
