VBPD Arrests Two in Straw Purchase of a Firearm

The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) has charged Raeqwon Williams (M/27) of Chesapeake and Darien Smith (M/26) of Norfolk with multiple crimes related to a straw purchase of a firearm.

Investigators determined that Smith, a convicted felon, solicited Williams to purchase a firearm on his behalf.

Smith was taken into custody on Feb. 17, 2025. He is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Solicitation of a Straw Purchase of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I or II Narcotics, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Simultaneous Possession of a Firearm and Narcotics, and Unlawful Concealment of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Williams was taken into custody on April 28, 2025. He is charged with Straw Purchase of a Firearm, Lying on a Firearms Form, and Failure to Obtain a Background Check.

VBPD is continuing to investigate additional straw purchases made by Williams.

“Keeping firearms out of the hands of those who are not legally allowed to possess them is one of the biggest factors in continuing to reduce violence in our community,” VBPD Chief Paul Neudigate said. “VBPD will continue to aggressively investigate straw purchases of firearms. I’d like to thank our detectives for their hard work, as well as the Chesapeake Police Department for their assistance.”

(Note: The charges mentioned in this press release are accusations, and the arrested individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.)