A Newport News man has been sentenced to four years in federal prison after authorities found him in possession of a stolen firearm and later linked him to a stolen vehicle incident that ended at Naval Station Norfolk.
Malik Rashun Hughes, 27, was sentenced today on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and unlawful entrance onto a naval installation.
According to court documents, the case began on Dec. 16, 2024, when Newport News Police conducted a traffic stop and discovered Hughes carrying a stolen handgun. The firearm was loaded with a large-capacity magazine containing 16 rounds of ammunition.
Because Hughes had previously been convicted of a felony offense, federal law prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Prosecutors said Hughes again came to the attention of law enforcement on July 19, 2025, after stealing a vehicle in Virginia Beach. Authorities said he later crashed the vehicle into another car near Naval Station Norfolk.
Following the collision, Hughes allegedly fled the scene and drove onto the naval installation despite being directed to stop by a sentry at the entry control point. Court records state that Hughes unlawfully entered the base before law enforcement attempted to stop him.
After abandoning the vehicle, Hughes attempted to escape on foot but was quickly apprehended by officers.
When taken into custody, authorities found Hughes carrying an airsoft gun and a half-consumed bottle of tequila, according to court documents.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division with assistance from the Newport News Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Coleman prosecuted the case.
The sentence concludes a case involving multiple incidents across Hampton Roads, including illegal firearm possession, vehicle theft, a traffic collision, and unauthorized entry onto one of the region’s most sensitive military installations. Federal prosecutors have continued to prioritize cases involving convicted felons found in possession of firearms, particularly when those offenses are coupled with conduct that threatens public safety.